Published June 13, 2025
It starts with a sniffle. A mild cough. Maybe a little fussiness. You tell yourself it’s just a cold—babies get those, right?
But then, something changes. Your baby’s tiny chest begins to heave with each breath. The wheezing grows louder. Their nose flares. Feeding becomes a struggle. Panic creeps in as your instincts scream, this isn’t normal. And in that split second, you realize you’re no longer just dealing with a common cold. You’ve stepped into the terrifying unknown of RSV—Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Most parents don’t even know its name until they’re blindsided by it. It doesn’t sound dangerous, certainly not like a name that could land your baby in the emergency room or on oxygen support.
But make no mistake. RSV is real. It’s common. And for babies, it can be dangerous—fast.
RSV in Singapore’s Climate
In Singapore’s tropical climate, RSV is active all year round, often catching parents off guard. What’s even more concerning is that it’s frequently mistaken for “just another cold,” when in fact, it’s the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia admissions in Singapore, accounting for nearly half (47%) of these cases in infants under 6 months1.
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RSV accounts for 47% of hospitalized bronchiolitis and pneumonia cases in newborns under 6 months1, making it a major concern for families. For some families, that first encounter with RSV comes too late—when their baby is already struggling to breathe when the damage has already begun.
Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles), making it hard to breathe. RSV is responsible for up to 80% of bronchiolitis cases in babies4.
Pneumonia: An infection that causes fluid and pus to build up in the tiny air sacs of the lungs, making breathing painful and difficult. RSV can lead to pneumonia when it spreads deep into the lungs3.
“I would have loved to have known what to look out for,” shares Carrie-Anne, a parent whose child battled RSV. “My baby sucking his stomach whilst breathing was an indicator of RSV-related illness. But I didn’t know that at the time.”
The truth? RSV affects nearly every child by the age of two4. Yet, over half of parents have never heard of it—or only recognise the name. In fact, there are about 9,300 primary care consults for children under 29 months per year due to RSV in Singapore1.
What’s even more concerning is that 63% of hospitalisation costs are borne by patients1, making it not only a health issue but a financial burden for families as well¹.
So if you’re a new parent, a parent-to-be, or even a grandparent—this matters. This is what you need to know about RSV.
What is RSV and Why Should Parents Care?
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RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. Almost every child will get RSV by the age of two. In fact, studies show that 2 in 3 babies will catch RSV before their first birthday5.
While RSV often presents like the common cold in older kids and adults, it’s a different story for infants, especially those under 12 months. In these little ones, RSV can cause serious complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia—which can lead to hospitalisation and even long-term lung issues.
RSV is the Slow Burn You Didn’t See Coming
Unlike the flu, which hits your baby like a surprise party nobody asked for, RSV creeps in quietly. And that’s what makes it tricky.
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, infectious disease physician at Rophi Clinic, points out that RSV can infect your child anytime, right when you’re least expecting it. It often starts out looking like a mild cold: a little congestion, some sniffles, a sore throat, maybe a low-grade fever.
But here’s where it fools you.
“I typically see healthy infants below the age of 6 months who are admitted into acute care hospitalisation. Only some have co-morbidities and are premature infants,” said Dr Li Jiahui, Head & Senior Consultant, Paediatric Infectious Disease Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Dr Li was among several regional experts quoted in the White Paper, “The roadmap to zero RSV burden: Enhancing RSV protection for all infants in Asia Pacific”, developed by Immunization Partners in Asia Pacific (IPAP).
That slow build-up is what makes RSV hard to spot until it isn’t.
So if your baby’s cold seems to linger or worsen over time, it might be time to pause and speak with your paediatrician. RSV doesn’t always knock loudly, but it can still find its way in.
How RSV Affects Infants in Their First Year
Your baby’s first year is a crucial time for immune development—and also when they’re most vulnerable to RSV.
RSV Symptoms in Infants
Be on the lookout for these signs. Early symptoms of RSV may include3:
- Runny nose
- Eating or drinking less
- Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing
In very young infants (less than 6 months old), the symptoms of RSV may include3:
- Irritability
- Decreased activity
- Eating or drinking less
- Apnea (pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds)
Many infants will not have a fever with RSV infection.
Frequently Asked Questions on RSV
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When your baby starts showing signs of a cold, it’s easy to brush it off as something harmless. But what if it’s not just a cold? What if it’s something more dangerous—something that could land your baby in the hospital, fighting for breath? That’s where RSV comes in.
We’ve teamed up with the Singapore Paediatric Society (SPS) with this FAQ to help you navigate the frightening world of RSV and keep your little one safe.
How can my baby get RSV?
RSV spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, close contact (like cuddles and kisses), and by touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth after touching contaminated surfaces, such as clothing, toys, or utensils.
Babies are often infected by older siblings, other children, or parents, who may carry the virus without showing symptoms. While RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults, it can pose a higher risk of severe illness for babies and older adults. Good hygiene practices and preventive options can help protect infants.
Consult a paediatrician or overall healthcare provider for more information.
Can RSV cause serious illness?
RSV usually causes mild illness but, in some babies, it can become severe within just a few days, potentially leading to lung infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These infections can cause swelling in the airways, which may make it harder for babies to breathe.
Signs that a baby is struggling to breathe can include wheezing, grunting, or breathing faster than usual.
Please note: this is not a complete list; other symptoms can occur, and infants may not experience all of these symptoms. Other infections may also cause similar symptoms. When you are concerned about your child’s health, seek medical advice.
Which age group does RSV disease affect?
RSV can affect people of all ages, but it can be particularly severe in babies and older adults.
In developed countries, up to 1 in 10 children up to 2 years of age may develop RSV-associated lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
How can RSV be diagnosed?
RSV can be diagnosed by testing samples taken from the nose, and must be performed by a healthcare professional.
What is the timeline of a typical RSV infection?
When babies catch RSV, the virus will multiply in their body for around 3–5 days (we call this the incubation period). Following this, the symptoms will start to show; these usually get worse around Day 5 and then get better 7–10 days after infection.
Most cases of RSV disease are usually mild and will resolve within this time. But for some babies, symptoms can progress from cold-like to severe within a few days of infection.
Following an RSV infection, a cough may linger for around 4 weeks, and around half of babies may have a wheeze after being ill with RSV.
Is there a treatment for RSV disease?
There are currently no specific treatments for RSV, and it is generally managed with supportive care and symptom relief. Most cases are mild and resolve within a week or two. But in severe cases, treatment may include oxygen, feeding support, and hydration.
What can I do to relieve my baby’s RSV-related symptoms?
Talk to your paediatrician or overall healthcare provider before giving a child non-prescription cold medicine. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.
Call your paediatrician or overall healthcare provider if your child has difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or is experiencing worsening symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight infection. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause severe illness in some people.
Take steps to relieve symptoms:
Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (never give aspirin to children).
Drink enough fluids. It is important to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
Read the package leaflet and follow the instructions provided before giving any medicine to a child. Speak to a pharmacist or your healthcare provider for more information on medicines.
Is there a higher risk of RSV if my baby is born early?
Infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) are at higher risk of serious RSV infection than those born at term (37 weeks or more).
However, most hospitalizations—including severe cases requiring ICU and mechanical ventilation—for RSV occur in healthy full-term infants.
Speak to your paediatrician or overall healthcare provider to learn more.
What Can You Do as a Parent?
You can’t control every cough or sneeze your baby encounters. But you can stay informed and proactive.
Here’s what you can do:
- Wash hands frequently and ensure siblings or caregivers do the same.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Keep your baby away from sick people.
- Disinfect surfaces and toys often.
- Don’t smoke around your baby—smoke exposure increases the severity of RSV.
Together Against RSV – What Parents Should Know
Sanofi’s Together Against RSV campaign is a wake-up call to Singaporean parents. It seeks to bridge the gap between parental awareness and medical urgency. The initiative focuses on education, early signs, prevention tips, and empowering caregivers to speak to healthcare professionals if something feels off.
Because with RSV, you don’t want to wait and see. You want to act. The earlier you recognise the signs, the earlier you can get your baby the care they need.
Together, We Can Protect Our Babies from RSV
The first year of life is full of firsts—from first smiles to first steps. Don’t let a virus like RSV be one of them. Through education, prevention, and early intervention, we can take real steps to protect our most vulnerable family members.
When it comes to your child’s health, knowledge is your best defence. RSV may be common, but it’s not harmless. And while we can’t shield our kids from every virus, we can educate ourselves, advocate for them, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
RSV shouldn’t be a mystery. Not anymore.
Speak to your healthcare professional about preventive measures, including immunization recommendations. Visit TogetherAgainstRSV.sg for more information.
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1 Tam CC, Yeo KT, Tee N, et al. Burden and Cost of Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Young Children, Singapore. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2020;26(7):1489. doi:10.3201/eid2607.190539
2 Tan KWJ, Yung CF, Maiwald M, Saffari SE, Thoon KC, Chong CY. Respiratory viral infections in hospitalised paediatric patients in the tropics. J Paediatr Child Health. 2021;57(4):559–565. doi:10.1111/jpc.15267
3 CDC. RSV in Infants and Young Children
4 Baraldi E, Checcucci Lisi G, Costantino C, Heinrichs JH, Manzoni P, Riccò M, Roberts M, Vassilouthis N. RSV disease in infants and young children: Can we see a brighter future? Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022 Nov 30;18(4):2079322. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2079322. Epub 2022 Jun 20.
5 Walsh EE. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: An Illness for All Ages. Clin Chest Med. 2017 Mar;38(1):29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2016.11.010. Epub 2016 Dec 27.
