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Protecting babies from RSV during the holiday season
KSL • • health
Key Points:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization for infants, and Utah health experts expect cases to rise after Thanksgiving through the holiday season.
- RSV symptoms can resemble a common cold, making it difficult to distinguish from the flu without pediatric consultation.
- Immunization is key to protecting babies from severe RSV, with vaccines available for expectant mothers and antibody shots for eligible newborns.
- In the 2024-2025 RSV season, 16,000 Utah babies received protection, reducing their hospitalization risk by nine times.
- Families are advised to practice good hygiene and limit infants' exposure to potentially sick individuals during holiday gatherings to help prevent illness.
