How Grandparents Can Help Protect Babies From RSV

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on October 11, 2024

1/7

RSV and Your Grandchild

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory illness that affects your lungs. For infants, especially those under 6 months, it can be life-threatening. These simple prevention tips can help you protect your family.

2/7

How RSV Spreads

RSV spreads through droplets from coughs or sneezes. It can also land on surfaces. Avoid hosting large gatherings during RSV season (fall and winter) to lower your risk.

3/7

Washing Hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water, lathering for at least 20 seconds, especially before interacting with your grandchild. If you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizer as often as you can.

4/7

Preventing Germs From Spreading

Since germs are spread through droplets, do not share cups, spoons, or other items with your grandchild. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose, and if you do, wash your hands before touching or holding your grandchild. Ask visitors not to touch or kiss your grandchild's face as well.

5/7

Keeping Surfaces Clean

RSV can live on surfaces for up to 6 hours. Clean toys, cellphones, keys, and other objects your grandchild touches. Keep commonly used surfaces, like counters and chairs, as clean as possible.

6/7

Handling Coughs and Sneezes

If someone in your household is coughing or sneezing, ask them to cover their mouth with a tissue or elbow. Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands afterward. Encourage visitors to wear masks, especially during RSV season. Masks add an extra layer of protection for your grandchild.

7/7

Vaccine Information

RSV can be dangerous for both grandparents and their young grandchildren. The best way to protect your family is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends everyone 75 and older get vaccinated. If you are age 60-74 and have a serious health condition, you may also qualify for the vaccine. For newborns and high-risk children up to age 2, they can receive preventative treatment.

This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

Photo Credit: Kleber Cordeiro/Shutterstock

SOURCES:

CDC: “RSV in Infants and Young Children,” “RSV Prevention,” “Vaccines for Family and Caregivers,” “CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine For Older Adults.”
Massachusetts General Hospital: “Tips to Prevent RSV.”
healthychildren.org: “RSV: When It's More Than Just a Cold.”
Yale School of Public Health: “From flu to RSV, masks offer everyday protection from respiratory illnesses.”
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare: “Your Child and RSV: Advice from a Pediatrician.”
Pediatrics: “Impact of Breastfeeding on the Incidence and Severity of RSV Bronchiolitis in Infants: Systematic Review.”
FDA: “FDA Approves New Drug to Prevent RSV in Babies and Toddlers.”
American Academy of Pediatrics: “RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold.”
American Lung Association: “RSV in Adults," "RSV Symptoms and Diagnosis."
CDC: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)," "Recommendations," "Frequently Asked Questions About RSV Immunization with Monoclonal Antibody for Children 19 Months and Younger," "Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over," "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations," "Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention," "Diagnostic Testing for RSV,” "Symptoms of COVID-19,” "Healthcare Providers: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years of Age and Over.”
Cedars Sinai: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) in Children.”
Cleveland Clinic: “RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection)," "RSV in Adults," "RSV in Babies & Children," "Bronchitis."
Forefront Dermatology: “Can RSV Cause A Rash?”
Mayo Clinic: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)," "Palivizumab (Intramuscular Route)," "Pneumonia," "Bronchiolitis," "Ear infection (middle ear)," “Common Cold,” "Is it a cold or adult RSV? 3 ways to tell.”

National Jewish Health: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).”

Nationwide Children’s: “RSV Infection (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).”

The Nemours Foundation: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV).”

NYU Langone Health: “RSV Is Spreading Among Children—Here’s Why & When to See a Doctor.”

UNC Healthtalk: “What You Need to Know About RSV.”

University of Michigan Medicine: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) in Infants and Children.”

JAMA: "RSV Infection in Older Adults."

New York State Department of Health: "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection."

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "What Is Asthma?"

MedlinePlus: "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests."

Florida Health Santa Rosa County: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).”

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: "How to Tell the Difference between Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Common Cold.”

Harvard Health Publishing: "How long does the flu last?”

Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Coronavirus Diagnosis: What Should I Expect?"