RSV can infect people of all ages, adults and children, however, it may cause more severe illness in infants under 12 months old.4 In Ireland, RSV predominantly occurs in children <2 years, with 64-72% of all notifications occurring in children <2 years in 2018/19.5
All infants are susceptible to getting an RSV infection, by the age of two years old ~90% of young children have been infected with RSV.6
Most RSV infections in babies are mild and will typically clear up within a few weeks on their own. However, some cases can be more serious and hospital care may be needed.4
Premature babies, or those with certain medical conditions, may be at greater risk of more severe illness.
However, the majority of babies needing hospital care for RSV are healthy and born at term, so, it can be difficult to predict whether your baby will experience mild or more severe symptoms of RSV infection.7
RSV infections typically occur in a seasonal pattern in temperate climates like Ireland, with epidemics from October to April, peaking in December. RSV is a notifiable disease in Ireland and is the second most common respiratory virus in Ireland after influenza.8
Viruses like RSV, that cause respiratory infections, do not respond to treatment with antibiotics.9
Currently there is no specific treatment suitable for general use, and treatment is therefore aimed at supporting the patient and relieving symptoms.9
There are precautions you can take to protect your baby from RSV. These include:10
- Frequent hand washing for 20 seconds
- Keeping your hands away from your face
- Disinfecting surfaces and toys
- Avoiding close contact with others who may be showing symptoms of carrying the virus
RSV can infect people of all ages, adults and children, however, it may cause more severe illness in infants under 12 months old.4 In Ireland, RSV predominantly occurs in children <2 years, with 64-72% of all notifications occurring in children <2 years in 2018/19.5