Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that spreads easily from person to person. It spreads through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. RSV can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface. RSV season in Ontario typically runs from November to April.

Most children will catch colds caused by RSV before they are three years old. In most children and adults, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be more serious for infants younger than one year, premature babies and children with chronic medical conditions. They are at risk for severe RSV illness, which may require a visit to the hospital.

How to protect your baby

You can choose between two ways to protect your baby from severe RSV illness.

The first way is a medication given as a single injection (needle) during RSV season. This is not a vaccine. This medication gives babies antibodies that provide six months of protection from RSV. Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends this option to prevent RSV in infants.

Your infant may be eligible for this medication during Ontario’s RSV season if they are born at Mount Sinai Hospital after April 1 and are less than eight months old during their first RSV season. Eligible infants will be offered this medication before leaving the hospital.

The second way to protect your baby from severe RSV illness is by getting an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine will continue to protect your baby after they are born.

Only one of these options is needed unless your health-care provider advises otherwise. Contact your health-care provider for more information.

Learn more about the preventive RSV medication for infants from the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health.

For more information about RSV, please see the following resources:

• Ontario Health — Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• RSVshield
• Caring for Kids – RSV