Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) cause colds, flu-like diseases and bronchiolitis mainly in the winter months. Every year, children under the age of one are particularly affected, especially babies younger than three months. These babies are at higher risk of complications and may require hospitalisation. In healthy adults, severe forms do not occur often.

Symptoms:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Conjunctivitis
• Difficulty breathing (e.g. accelerated breathing and groaning)

Procedure for symptoms:

If your baby has difficulty breathing or other signs of a worsening of the general condition, e.g. if the baby has difficulty drinking, no longer likes to play, etc., it is important that you quickly visit the pediatrician.

If there are serious signs, such as a very restless, unresponsive baby who is no longer drinking, breathing very heavily, or if the babies lips or extremities turn blue, take your baby directly to an emergency ward.

Prevention measures:

• Limit visits before the age of 3 months to close adults who are healthy and have no symptoms of a cold, cough, or fever.
• Wash/disinfect your hands regularly.
• If you have a cold, cough or fever, wear a mask yourself.
• If possible, avoid siblings who have symptoms such as a cold, cough, or fever from approaching the baby.

Immunisation:

Your baby can be effectively protected from RSV bronchiolitis by preventive treatment.

In order to avoid RSV bronchiolitis during the winter season, the administration of a dose of Nirsevimab (Beyfortus ©) to all infants born from 1 April 2024 is recommended (further information on immunisation).