RSV Protection Beyond Early Infancy: Why Parents Need to Know About RSV Throughout the First Year

Published on 10 September 2026

In the earliest months of a baby’s life, parents often become more careful and vigilant for their little one. They pay close attention to feeding schedules, sleeping patterns, vaccinations, and any signs of illness. It’s understandable. Newborns are among the most vulnerable members of the family, and keeping them healthy is often top of mind.

But as babies grow older, many parents naturally begin to relax since their little ones appear stronger and more independent. But while some concerns may fade with time, certain health risks continue well beyond the newborn stage.

One of these is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common respiratory virus and a major cause of respiratory hospitalisation among infants and young children.^1,2 Although RSV is often associated with very young babies, research shows that RSV continues to affect infants through the first year of life.³

What Is RSV and Why Are Parents Talking About It More?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract. It spreads primarily through respiratory particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.⁴

For many people, RSV causes symptoms similar to the common cold, including a runny nose, cough, fever, and reduced appetite. However, infants can be more vulnerable to severe disease. RSV can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which may require medical attention or hospitalisation.^4,5

Globally, RSV remains a significant cause of lower respiratory tract infections among infants and young children. A global analysis estimated that RSV was associated with approximately 33 million acute lower respiratory tract infection episodes and 3.6 million hospital admissions among children younger than five years in 2019.²

As awareness around RSV grows, parents are increasingly seeking information about the risks associated with the virus and the options available to help protect their children.

The Common Misconception: RSV Is Only a Newborn Concern

When people think about RSV, they often picture newborns and very young babies. This perception is understandable, as very young infants are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV disease. ^4,6

However, RSV risk does not disappear once a baby moves beyond the newborn stage.

While younger infants remain particularly vulnerable to severe disease, older infants continue to experience RSV infections that can result in outpatient consultations, emergency department visits, and hospitalisation, even among children with no underlying health problems.⁷ This highlights the importance of understanding RSV risk throughout infancy, rather than viewing it solely as a concern during the first few months after birth.

Why Older Infants Remain Vulnerable to RSV

As infants grow and become more mobile, their interactions with family members, caregivers, siblings, and social environments often increase. These everyday activities can create more opportunities for exposure to respiratory viruses such as RSV.⁴

At the same time, infants remain susceptible to respiratory infections during their first year of life.

A European study involving more than 9,000 healthy, term-born infants found that 1.8% were hospitalised with RSV during their first year of life, equivalent to approximately one in 56 infants. The study also found that 14.1% of infants required medical attendance for an RSV infection during their first year. ³

These findings demonstrate that RSV remains a meaningful concern beyond the newborn period and that healthy infants can experience a substantial burden of RSV disease during their first year.

RSV Can Affect Healthy, Full-Term Babies Too

Another common misconception is that RSV primarily affects babies who are born premature or have underlying medical conditions.

While some infants may face a higher risk of severe illness, RSV can also affect healthy, full-term babies. In a large US surveillance study, almost 65% of children hospitalised with RSV had no underlying comorbid conditions and no history of preterm birth.⁷

Similarly, the European birth cohort study found that healthy, term-born infants experienced a measurable burden of RSV-associated hospitalisation during their first year of life.³

Because RSV can affect all infants, parents should not assume that a healthy pregnancy or full-term birth completely eliminates the possibility of RSV-related illness. Understanding that healthy babies can also be affected may help families make more informed decisions about protection and prevention.

The Wider Impact of RSV on Families

The effects of RSV often extend beyond the illness itself.

When a baby becomes unwell, parents and caregivers may need to manage disrupted sleep, changes in feeding routines, additional medical appointments, and close monitoring of symptoms. Depending on the severity of the illness, families may also face emergency department visits or hospital stays.^8,9  

There can also be an emotional and practical toll. A prospective study of healthy term-born infants found that, even when RSV did not require medical attention, parents reported worries in 75.3% of episodes, anxiety in 34.0%, impairment in usual daily activities in 59.8%, and work absenteeism in 10.8%.¹⁰

Among children hospitalised with RSV across five European countries, 61% of employed caregivers reported lost work hours, with an average of approximately 30 hours lost per hospital admission. The study also found significant impacts on children’s quality of life.¹¹

For many families, RSV therefore affects not only the child but the entire household.

How Can We Protect Our Infants from RSV?

Preventing RSV starts with a few simple healthy habits⁴4:

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid crowded places where possible, particularly when respiratory viruses are circulating.
• Keep your baby away from anyone who is feeling unwell.
• Clean surfaces regularly. Wipe down and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces such as toys, tables and doorknobs. 

These everyday measures can help reduce exposure to RSV and other respiratory viruses. ⁴

Today, parents in Singapore can also discuss various prevention options with their healthcare providers. Every family is different, and healthcare providers can help parents understand the prevention options available and what may be appropriate for their baby.

RSV Protection Shouldn’t End With Early Infancy

Many parents naturally become less concerned about infections as their babies grow older. However, RSV remains a meaningful risk beyond this period.

Older infants continue to experience medically attended RSV infections, including outpatient consultations and hospitalisation, highlighting the importance of continued awareness throughout infancy. ^3,73 7

Unlike temperate countries where there is a predictable and clear winter RSV season of 3-5 months¹², in Singapore, RSV is endemic and circulates year-round.⁴ As prevention options continue to evolve, parents have more opportunities to learn about RSV protection and discuss available approaches with their healthcare providers.

Staying informed can help families better understand the risks, the options available, and the steps they may wish to consider for their child’s protection.

MAT-SG-2600221-1.0-09/2026