What can I give my baby to prevent RSV?

Preventing RSV in Babies
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness in infants and young children. As a parent, there are several steps you can take to help prevent your baby from getting RSV:
Maternal RSV Vaccine
The CDC now recommends that all pregnant women receive an RSV vaccine during their pregnancy, ideally between 32-36 weeks gestation. This vaccine can help protect newborns from severe RSV illness by passing antibodies to the baby before birth.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) Injection
In addition to the maternal vaccine, a new preventive medication called Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) is now recommended by the CDC for babies before or during their first RSV season. This is a single-dose injection that can help protect infants from getting severely ill with RSV.
Palivizumab Injections
Some high-risk infants under 2 years old may also be eligible for monthly palivizumab injections during RSV season to help prevent severe illness. Your pediatrician can determine if your child qualifies for this treatment.
General RSV Prevention
Beyond vaccines and medications, you can also help prevent the spread of RSV by:
– Washing your hands frequently
– Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
– Keeping your baby away from large crowds during RSV season
– Disinfecting surfaces and toys regularly
The key is to take advantage of the new preventive options available to protect your baby from the potentially serious effects of RSV. Discuss the best approach with your pediatrician to ensure your little one stays healthy.

What protects babies against RSV?

This immunisation is called nirsevimab. It is the best way to protect your newborn baby from RSV. Premature babies (born before 30 weeks gestation or less than 1.25kg at birth) will also be offered nirsevimab. RSV levels are highest in Ireland during winter.

What medication is used to prevent RSV?

Nirsevimab is an injectable monoclonal antibody that prevents severe RSV disease in infants and young children. Monoclonal antibodies do not activate the immune system, as would occur with infection or vaccination (active immunization).

Is there a preventative for RSV?

The CDC has recommended two new ways to help protect your baby from severe RSV illness: A preventative antibody is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months old and born during or entering their first RSV season. Or, Receiving an RSV vaccination during pregnancy.

How can I protect my child from RSV?

Palivizumab and nirsevimab are monoclonal antibody medications, approved for use in children under two years of age, that offer extra protection against severe RSV infection. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that are developed to act like the antibodies your body produces.

How can I prevent RSV in premature babies?

SYNAGIS gives babies who are born prematurely (at or before 35 weeks, and who are 6 months of age or less at the beginning of RSV season) the virus-blocking antibodies they lack, helping protect their vulnerable lungs from RSV.

How can I reduce my baby’s risk of RSV?

You can help protect your baby from RSV by: Keeping your baby away from people who are sneezing, coughing or sick. Making sure everyone who touches your baby has clean hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes.

How to prevent RSV naturally?

Clean high-touch surfaces (surfaces that are touched often and by multiple people). This can include doorknobs, counters and toys. Avoid close contact with anyone who has RSV or another illness.

What kills the RSV virus?

Disinfect contaminated and commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, remotes. Both Lysol® Disinfectant Spray and Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes kill the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

What medication prevents RSV?

Nirsevimab is an injectable monoclonal antibody that prevents severe RSV disease in infants and young children. Monoclonal antibodies do not activate the immune system, as would occur with infection or vaccination (active immunization).

How to prevent a cold from turning into RSV?

How to prevent RSV. Practice trusted infection prevention steps! This means good handwashing and staying home when sick to prevent the spread of germs. Get any available preventive medications or vaccinations before the RSV season starts.