RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Parent Stories

WHO WE’RE FIGHTING FOR

Meet the families who are raising their voice and sharing their stories to help protect all babies.

RSV STORIES

Get inspired by the stories from other families who were impacted by RSV.

When one of Kate’s twins got sick with RSV, she soon discovered that all children are at risk of RSV – not just those born prematurely or with underlying conditions.

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Despite Rebecca’s best efforts to shield her prematurely born daughter from RSV, a hospital stay for RSV was all but inevitable.

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RSV FAST FACTS

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to respiratory illness in babies, including lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Mild symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, while severe symptoms can include wheezing and difficulty breathing.

RSV is most common during the winter virus season (November–March) but can vary by local areas.

RSV spreads when droplets from a cough, sneeze, or infected surface get inside the eyes, nose, or mouth.

RSV infects many infants–nearly all will have been infected with RSV by the age of 2.

RSV can go from cold-like symptoms to hospitalization in less than a week.

While most RSV cases are mild, it is not possible to predict which healthy infants could get seriously ill and end up in hospital.

In one Canadian study, infants under 2 years were 14 times more likely to be hospitalized due to RSV than influenza.

There are limited options to address RSV disease once patients have been infected. Treatment of severe RSV infections generally relies on ‘supportive care’, including oxygen and fluids.

RSV SAFETY

Let’s take control and do our part to help protect ALL babies from RSV by:

Practicing frequent hand washing.
Disinfecting toys and surfaces.
Avoiding close contact with those who are ill.
Talking with your doctor about preventative options that can help protect your child from RSV.

Through resources, education, preventative measures, and raising our voices to help Rally Against RSV, we can grow awareness and understanding of RSV.

RSV RESOURCES