RSV antibody infants overview

Overview

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that can cause severe lung infections in infants. A preventive antibody treatment is available to protect high-risk babies from serious RSV illness.

RSV is very common – most children will have had it by age 2. However, severe RSV leading to hospitalization is less common, especially in healthy full-term babies.

The preventive antibody is typically offered to infants under 6 months old who are at high risk due to premature birth (before 29 weeks) or certain heart or lung conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever (temperature over 38°C)
• Decreased appetite

Symptoms in children

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Fussiness or irritability
• Not feeding as usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Congestion
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Causes

Main causes

• RSV is caused by a virus that spreads through coughs, sneezes, or touching contaminated surfaces.
• The virus infects the lungs and airways, causing inflammation and mucus buildup.

Risk factors

• Born prematurely (before 29 weeks)
• Chronic lung disease of prematurity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
• Congenital heart disease (heart problem from birth)
• Weakened immune system (e.g., from treatment or certain diseases)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby shows any emergency signs: trouble breathing, blue lips, severe dehydration, or very sleepy.
• If your baby has a fever and is under 3 months old.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have any concerns about your baby's breathing, feeding, or energy level, talk to your health visitor, GP, or paediatrician.
• Before the RSV season, ask your doctor if your baby is eligible for the preventive antibody.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your baby’s symptoms and may do a simple test to confirm RSV.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal swab: a soft cotton bud is gently inserted into your baby's nose to collect a sample, which is tested for the virus.

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick and can be done in a clinic or hospital. It may cause brief discomfort but is not painful. Results often come back within 24 hours.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for RSV. Treatment focuses on helping your baby breathe and stay hydrated while their body fights off the virus. The preventive antibody treatment is given before RSV season to high-risk infants to reduce the chance of severe illness.

Self-care at home

• Keep your baby upright when feeding to help drainage.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in the room to ease coughing.
• Give smaller, more frequent feeds to prevent dehydration.
• Monitor wet nappies to ensure your baby is drinking enough.

Medical treatments

In hospital, treatment may include oxygen to help breathing, suction of mucus from the nose, and fluids given through a tube or drip if dehydration is severe. The preventive antibody is given as a monthly injection during RSV season to high-risk infants.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for RSV.

Living with this condition

Caring for an infant with RSV involves watching for changes in breathing, feeding, and activity. Most babies recover within 1–2 weeks, but some may need extra oxygen at home for a while.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often, especially before handling your baby.
• Avoid taking your baby to crowded indoor places during RSV season (usually autumn and winter).
• Keep your baby away from anyone who has a cold or cough.

Diet and exercise

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as normal. For older babies, offer soft, easy-to-eat foods. No special diet is needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Watching your baby struggle to breathe can be very scary. It is normal to feel anxious or exhausted. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends for support. You are not alone.

Prevention

RSV cannot be completely prevented, but the risk of severe illness can be greatly reduced. Good hygiene and avoiding exposure help lower the chance of infection.

Vaccines

There is no routine vaccine for infants yet, but a preventive antibody injection (given monthly during RSV season) is recommended for high-risk babies. Pregnant women can receive a vaccine to protect their newborn; ask your midwife for details.

Complications

If left untreated

• Bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways) requiring hospital care
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Severe dehydration
• Respiratory failure needing a breathing machine

Long-term outlook

Thanks to advances in care, most babies who get RSV recover fully. High-risk infants who receive the preventive antibody have much lower chances of needing hospital treatment. With proper monitoring and support, even premature babies can grow up healthy.

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