RSV is very contagious and passes easily between people via droplets from the nose or mouth. It can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours.
Practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, discourage adults and children with cold-like symptoms from handling, kissing and cuddling your baby, and try to reduce your baby’s exposure to crowds and public transport.
Previous infection does not provide immunity, meaning that your child can get RSV again even if they’ve had it before.
RSV is more likely to spread where there are groups of young children, for example in nurseries, playgroups and schools, and in babies with preschool-age siblings.
Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of severe infection and hospitalisation with RSV. If you would like to breastfeed and need support, speak with healthcare professionals who will be able to help.
If your baby is in the neonatal unit and you are not able to breastfeed them, you may want to express your milk.
This can be fed to your baby through a tube into their tummy, giving them the benefits of breast milk. Visit our pages on feeding for more information.
Smoking or allowing others to smoke near your baby increases their risk of hospitalisation with RSV.
The NHS runs free stop smoking services that can support you or members of your household to quit smoking.
My child is older than two. Are they still at risk of RSV?
The risk of hospitalisation due to an RSV infection is greatest in the first few months of life. Being infected again is common and can occur at any age, but symptoms are usually less severe.
If you are concerned, speak with a GP, neonatal staff or another healthcare professional, such as a health visitor or community nurse.
They will be able to tell you if your child is in the at-risk category and therefore qualifies for preventative treatment.
Babies who show any of the following symptoms should be taken to hospital immediately:
- Apnoea (pauses in breathing, particularly during sleep).
- Infant appears to be seriously unwell.
- Severe respiratory problems (such as grunting), a marked chest recession (where the chest seems to sink inwards), or a respiratory rate of over 60 breaths per minute.
- Central cyanosis (blue or purple discolouration of the skin due to lack of oxygen). On darker skin this may be easier to see on lips, tongues and gums, under nails and around your baby’s eyes.
What are the possible hospital treatments for RSV?
If your baby needs to stay in hospital due to an RSV infection, they will be monitored closely. They may be given oxygen support, fluids directly into their veins (IV fluids) and assistance with breathing.
What are the long-term effects of RSV?
Wheezing that keeps returning, asthma, and other problems with breathing have been seen in children who had hospital treatment for RSV.
Some studies have also shown that children who had a severe RSV infection may be more likely to develop sensitivities to allergens such as pollen or dust mites.
Where can I get more help and support for RSV?
In the first instance, always speak with a healthcare professional such as your neonatal team, your consultant, your GP, health visitor, or community nurse.
If your baby is in the neonatal unit, staff may arrange for RSV immunisations to take place before they are discharged from hospital.
You can also dial 111 or use these out-of-hours services:
NHS 111 England
NHS 111 Wales
NHS 24 (Scotland)
Dial 999 immediately if you think your baby might be seriously unwell.
If you have questions about RSV, or anything to do with looking after a sick or premature baby or child, you can email [email protected] and we will be back in touch soon.
If you have a baby on the neonatal unit, or have recently returned home, you can book a video call with one of our Bliss Champions. These experienced volunteers offer emotional and practical support, help you find the right information for you, and offer a listening ear.
Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation have a helpline and email support service for parents of children concerned about asthma or other lung conditions. More information can be found at the Asthma UK or British Lung Foundation websites.