Is your baby at risk of getting very sick from RSV?

In many children, RSV causes symptoms similar to the common cold. But in certain cases, most often in premature babies (preemies) and in children less than 2 years old with certain lung conditions or congenital heart disease, RSV can cause an infection of the lungs. When this happens, babies can then become very sick and may require hospitalization. RSV can cause pneumonia and is the most important cause of bronchiolitis during the first year of life.

Premature babies (preemies)

Your baby is at greater risk of RSV is he or she was born prematurely, before 33 weeks of pregnancy, and is less than 6 months old at the start of RSV season.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurs most commonly in preterm infants who received long-term mechanical ventilation and high oxygen concentrations.

Congenital heart disease (CHD)

There are several different types of congenital heart disease (CHD). Some types of CHD can increase the risk of developing a serious form of RSV disease. If your baby has congenital heart disease (CHD), ask your doctor for more specific information.