Parents prepare for everything, from baby-proofing sharp corners to stocking up on diapers and endless packs of wipes.
But there’s one thing many haven’t heard of: a virus that quietly affects almost every child before their second birthday.1
It’s called RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a mouthful, we know – and it often shows up looking just like a regular cold.
A few sneezes, a stuffy nose, maybe a little cough. Most parents wouldn’t think twice.
But RSV can sometimes dig deeper into the lungs, making it harder for infants to breathe comfortably.2
That’s why knowing a bit more about it can help you stay one step ahead and protect those tiny lungs with confidence.
RSV Is Everywhere, Yet Rarely Talked About
If you’ve never heard of RSV, you’re not alone.
Despite how common RSV is, awareness among parents remains mixed.
In our recent Facebook poll, only about half of parents (50%) said they had heard of RSV, while a small number said they hadn’t (1%) or weren’t sure (4%).
When asked whether RSV is something serious to take note of, responses were just as telling.
Around 44% recognised that RSV can lead to severe complications, but a small portion felt it was “just another illness that can affect kids”, while others admitted they didn’t know enough about it to say.
Yet, RSV spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and even shared surfaces like toys or tables.
Unlike seasonal flu or chickenpox, RSV rarely makes headlines, even though it hospitalises thousands of infants from birth up to 1 year old, many of them healthy and born full-term.
Globally, two in three children will catch RSV as infants from birth up to 1 year old, and for some, it can lead to lower respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.2
In Malaysia, studies show that over 90% of RSV-related hospitalisations happen in healthy babies, particularly those under one year old.3,4,5
It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder that RSV isn’t just another sniffle; it’s something parents should be aware of.
Why It Affects Babies the Most
Babies’ airways are incredibly small, and when RSV strikes, even slight inflammation or mucus build-up can make breathing difficult.
Parents might notice persistent coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, or even refusal to feed, small signs that can quickly become serious.
It’s easy to assume a cold will pass, but when it comes to infants from birth up to 1 year old, things can change fast.
Trust your instincts; if your little one is struggling to breathe, turning pale, or appears unusually tired, it’s time to check in with your doctor.
Early action often means a quicker recovery and fewer complications.
Protecting What You Can’t See
You can’t control every germ that floats around, but there’s a lot you can do to give your baby a safer start.
Regular handwashing, keeping sick visitors at a distance, and cleaning commonly used items, from milk bottles to toys, can go a long way.
Beyond that, it helps to have an open conversation with your healthcare professional about what preventive options are available, including immunisation.
Every baby is different, and your doctor can guide you on what’s most suitable for your child. Awareness, after all, is the first step towards prevention.
Awareness Is Your Child’s Best Protection
Some dangers are obvious: open sockets, sharp furniture edges, or unstable highchairs.
Others, like RSV, are hidden in plain sight. But knowing what to look for and where to turn for help can make all the difference.
Speak to your paediatrician to learn about RSV prevention.
Visit TogetherAgainstRSV.my for more information.
References:
1Walsh, EE. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: An Illness for All Ages. Clinics in Chest Medicine. 2017;38(1):29-36.
2Karron A. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines and Monoclonal antibodies. Orenstein W, Offit P, Edwards KM, Plotkin S. Plotkin’s Vaccines, eighth edition: 998-1004. Elsevier 2023.
3David CEN, Liew CH, Tan KK, et al. Clin Respir J 2024
4David NCE, Tan KK, Grace TSS, et al. Frontiers in Pediatr 2022
5Low YL, et al. PLoS One. 2022;17(8):e0265288.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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