More Than Just A Cold? Understanding RSV & How To Keep Your Baby Protected

RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants worldwide^1,7, and the tricky part is that parents often mistake it for the common cold. Here’s what you need to know and how you can keep your little one safe.

If you’ve been hearing more chatter about RSV lately, you’re not alone. This common virus has been quietly making its rounds, especially among babies under six months and older adults aged 65 and above⁸, and it’s often mistaken for a regular cold or flu because of its overlapping symptoms⁹. RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is actually one of the leading causes of lower respiratory infections in infants and young children worldwide^1,7. Most cases are mild, although serious cases can lead to hospital admissions⁹. Before you panic, there are ways to protect your little one. There are also measures that you can take to protect your baby even before you give birth!

It’s just like the flu, but more

Did you know that RSV accounts for millions of infections and hospital admissions in young children every year globally⁷ ? This means that it’s one of the major causes of infant hospitalisation^1,7! At first glance, RSV can look like any other cold. It often starts with a runny nose, a mild cough or a slight fever. However, parents should also look for symptoms specific to RSV, such as wheezing. In severe cases, infants may experience short, shallow, rapid breathing and even have their skin turn blue due to a lack of oxygen⁵. Additionally, RSV tends to travel deeper into the lungs, which is why it can sometimes cause infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia¹, especially in babies.

While all babies are at risk of RSV, some are more vulnerable than others. Premature babies and children with underlying conditions, such as heart or lung issues, are at greater risk¹⁰.

Symptoms of RSV don’t stop there. Studies have found that babies who experience RSV early in life—especially more severe infections—may have a higher risk of developing ongoing respiratory issues³ like recurrent wheezing or asthma.

What to do if your baby has RSV?

There are currently no treatments specifically for RSV¹. If your little one comes down with RSV, assess the situation first before heading straight to the hospital. If your baby is still feeding well, breathing comfortably and staying alert, they can usually recover with rest. Focus on keeping your baby well hydrated and making sure they get plenty of rest⁵.

That said, RSV can sometimes lead to more serious symptoms that require medical attention¹. If your baby starts breathing faster than usual, seems to be struggling to breathe, feeds poorly or becomes unusually sleepy and difficult to wake, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. These signs could indicate that the infection is affecting the lungs. At the hospital, they’ll be assisted with ventilation and intubation. A study² found that children with haemodynamically significant cardiac disease, immunodeficiency and metabolic disease were at higher risk of death after hospitalisation for RSV-related illnesses.

What to know about reducing the risk of RSV in your newborn

Maternal RSV vaccination⁶ has been developed in recent years, giving pregnant women a way to help protect their newborns even before birth. This vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies, which are then passed to the baby through the placenta. Besides maternal vaccination, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, which is directly administered to the infant⁴, is also available in some settings to help reduce the risk of severe RSV illness. Parents-to-be should discuss these options with their doctor.

While these options don’t completely prevent RSV, they can greatly reduce the risk of severe illness. With the right precautions and measures, babies can stay protected and recover well. These measures can be incorporated into everyday habits too, such as washing hands before handling babies, avoiding contact with anyone showing cold symptoms, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, limiting time in crowded indoor settings, and refraining from kissing babies when you’re unwell^4,11,12,13.

Readers are advised to consult with qualified medical professionals for medical advice and information regarding vaccines and their potential benefits or risks. The information provided in this article should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation.

References

1. RSV and Flu in Children: What Parents in Singapore Need to Know. Available at https://www.oaklifefamilyclinic.com.sg/post/rsv-and-flu-in-children/. Accessed 13 Apr 2026.
2. Lee MW, et al. Singapore Med J. 2021;62(12):642-646.
3. Zar HJ, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2024;12(10):810-821.
4. RSV in Infants & Young Children in Singapore: Risk, Symptoms & Prevention. Available at https://www.sbcc.sg/common-condition/rsv-vaccine-for-infants-in-singapore/. Accessed 13 Apr 2026.
5. CDA. Respiratory syncytial virus. Available at https://www.cda.gov.sg/professionals/diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus/. Accessed 13 Apr 2026.
6. Vaccinations recommended before, during and/or after pregnancy. Available at www.singhealth.com.sg. Accessed 13 Apr 2026.
7. Saha S, et al. The Lancet Global Health. 2025;13(6):e1072-e1081.
8. Ang LW, et al. Influenza Other Respi Viruses. 2020;14:412-419.
9. CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). About RSV. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/index.html/. Accessed 28 Apr 2026.
10. Resch B. World J Clin Pediatr. 2012;1(3):8-12.
11. John Hopkins Medicine. Health. New Parents and Newborns: Are Visitors OK? Available at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/new-parents-and-newborns-are-visitors-ok. Accessed on 9 Jan 2026.
12. Colosia AD, et al. BMC Infect Dis. 2012;12:95
13. Mayo Clinic. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098/ Accessed on 28 Apr 2026.