Protect Their Firsts: 5 Things Parents Need to Know About RSV

To keep your family safe.

Whether it’s their first smile or first steps, every single moment matters when it comes to your little one. Keeping your newborn happy and healthy is the number one priority for any parent, so it’s good to be aware of the ways you can help to protect them from germs such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV affects people of all ages, but it is most likely to cause serious illness in babies under six months old. At this age, your baby’s immune system is still premature and is unable to fight infections. So, it is important to understand what RSV is, how it spreads, and how to help protect your newborn.

Here, we share five things every parent needs to know about RSV.

1. RSV is not the same as a cold

RSV in babies often does start with simple cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or fussiness. Most little ones will make a full recovery with rest at home; however, like whooping cough, RSV is highly contagious and can cause serious illness and breathing difficulties, even in otherwise healthy babies.

As RSV is known to be the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies under six months old, by understanding the potential symptoms, you can be RSV aware.

2. It is more common than you might think

Most children will contract RSV before the age of two, and while case numbers usually peak during the cooler seasons of autumn and winter, it is important to know that infections can occur all year round.

Depending on the level of RSV-related complications, this can lead to hospital admission, so stay alert even in those warmer months and monitor your little one.

3. Proper hygiene practices are important

RSV can spread very easily and is often transported through droplets from coughs and sneezes; living on everyday surfaces such as toys, dummies, phones, and, of course, skin.

This high risk of contamination makes it quite tricky to avoid coming into contact with RSV.

Consistently washing your hands, keeping sick family and friends at a distance, and regularly cleaning surfaces are easy ways to ensure you are keeping bub safe and healthy.

4. New parents and expecting mothers should be RSV aware

Whether you are a soon-to-be parent, have a newborn, or are close to someone with a young baby, knowing the signs and risks of RSV is key to protecting their early days.

It is recommended to chat with your healthcare provider about the ways in which you can help protect your newborn and be RSV aware.

5. It is completely okay to ask questions

It may seem daunting, but the best way to stay informed about the ways you can protect your baby is to ask questions. As a parent, you will be met with a range of big decisions, and it is essential to seek information from reliable sources and engage in open conversations with your healthcare provider.

Being RSV aware is about equipping yourself with the correct knowledge to feel confident in the choices you make. If something feels unclear, reach out. Your antenatal care team is there to support you, guide you, and help you protect your baby’s first precious moments.

Be RSV aware. Protect their firsts.

Chat with your healthcare provider and head to rsvaware.com.au to learn more.