14 key things parents should know about RSV in 2025: Symptoms, treatment & prevention

Motherly Editors
·7 min read
mom holding sick toddler with pacifier in mouth at the start of rsv season 2022
Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

We’re still in the early stages of RSV season, but doctors are already worried about a rise in cases.

As we head into the peak of 2025 RSV season, parents are once again facing an uptick in cases, with health experts warning that the virus could affect more children this year. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common childhood illness, but for some infants and young children, it can lead to serious complications.

While many cases of RSV are mild, it’s important to stay vigilant and informed, as symptoms can progress quickly, particularly for babies under 2, those born prematurely, or those with underlying health conditions. Knowing what to watch for can help parents feel more prepared and confident in navigating RSV season.

Here’s what to look out for and what to do if your child tests positive for RSV.

14 things parents need to know about RSV 2025

1. RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus

In healthy adults and older kids, RSV usually presents as a common cold. Symptoms may start with a mild runny nose and reduced appetite before progressing to cough and wheezing.

Common RSV symptoms in babies and kids

  • Clear, runny nose

  • Decreased appetite

  • Coughing

  • Wheezing

  • Sneezing

In very young babies, symptoms can be subtle—such as decreased activity, irritability, or slight difficulty breathing.  RSV may sometimes present with a fever, but not always. Most healthy children recover in about two weeks, but for some babies, RSV can lead to complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Related: Does breastfeeding protect against RSV?

2.  We’re in the early stages of RSV season 2025

The virus is common in late fall through spring. As of January 20th, the CDC reports that RSV activity has peaked across most of the U.S., with young children—who are especially vulnerable to severe RSV infections—experiencing the highest rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

The CDC has also highlighted concerns about the flu season in 2025, reinforcing the importance of getting a flu shot to stay protected.

Recently, CDC experts noted that we could be in for a worse flu season, too, making it a good time to get your flu shot.

Related: Health officials urge pregnant women to get vaccinated against flu, Covid and RSV

3. RSV is super common

According to the Mayo Clinic, most kids will have had RSV by age 2. That doesn’t mean it’s not serious though. RSV can come on like a cold, but because the virus can cause constricted airways, it can make breathing difficult in some.

The CDC notes that RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under 12 months old, resulting in 2.1 million outpatient visits in kids under 5 each year.

4. Some babies require hospitalization

Each year, more than 58,000 kids under 5 require hospitalization due to RSV. Even if RSV doesn’t cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia, severe cases may still require hospitalization for oxygen support, IV fluids, or close monitoring.

Related: Amy Schumer’s son was hospitalized for RSV: ‘Hardest week of my life’

5. A baby’s chest muscles and skin pulling inward is a sign of severe RSV

If your baby is struggling to breathe, seek medical attention right away. One key sign is when a baby’s chest muscles and skin pull inward with each breath (retractions). Other red flags include:

Severe RSV symptoms in babies:

  • High fever

  • Fast breathing rate

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Persistent cough

  • Decreased activity

  • Pauses in breathing (apnea)

If your baby is having trouble breathing, is unusually drowsy, or refuses to eat or drink, head to the nearest hospital.

6. There is no medication for RSV

Because it’s a virus and not a bacterial infection, RSV is primarily treated through symptom management. Most cases tend to clear up within a week or two, but the following can be helpful as your child recovers:

  • Increased fluids: Be sure to offer plenty of water and fluids to avoid dehydration.

  • Extra rest: Encourage your little one to get lots of rest and sleep.

  • Managing fever: Talk to your doctor about using appropriate fever-reducing medications that are safe for your child.

  • Use a humidifier at night: Because colds often get worse around bedtime, try using a humidifier in your child’s room while they’re sleeping.

  • Saline spray: Using saline spray or a mist inhaler can help break up mucus in little noses.

  • Elevate the head: If your child is having trouble breathing while lying flat, consider elevating their head slightly with a pillow to make breathing easier.

  • Monitor for warning signs: Keep an eye out for signs of severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, a high fever that doesn’t subside, or if your child is unusually drowsy or unable to eat or drink.

  • Avoid irritants: Keep your child away from smoke, strong perfumes, and other irritants that could exacerbate their symptoms.

Mom @jordmariee on TikTok shows how much of a game-changer a saline mist inhaler can be for babies and toddlers as nasal sprays can often cause tears.

7. New RSV prevention options for infants and pregnant mothers

A new RSV prevention option for infants was introduced in 2023: the monoclonal antibody treatment Beyfortus (nirsevimab). This shot is offered to babies going through their first or second RSV season. The approval marks one of the first protections for healthy infants against a virus that can be severe or even life-threatening in babies under 12 months.

Related: Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for pregnancy can protect newborns against severe illness

8. There is another preventative medication for those at the highest risk

Babies who were born prematurely and those who are immunocompromised, have heart defects or other health conditions are sometimes eligible for a monthly injection of Synagis (palivizumab) during peak RSV season to prevent severe RSV. The drug is expensive, and only recommended for when babies meet certain high-risk criteria.

9. RSV is unfortunately very contagious

RSV has a long incubation period—symptoms may not appear for up to three to five days after the initial infection, which is how it’s so easily passed around daycares and schools, and why it’s so contagious.

A child with RSV might be contagious for up to four weeks, even after they stop showing symptoms. If you have multiple children and one has been sick, it’s a good idea to clean shared toys and have them sleep in separate rooms if possible.

10. Prevention is key

Simple steps can help reduce the spread of RSV:

  • Wash hands frequently.

  • Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes.

  • Clean surfaces and shared toys often.

Related: Is it a cold, flu, Covid or allergies?

11. Protecting your family is OK

People love to hug and kiss babies, but when somebody is sick, it’s OK to say “no thanks” to affection for your little one.

It can be tricky to navigate in public when you’re trying to protect your baby and everyone in line at the grocery store wants to squish their cheeks, so some parents are putting it in writing—adding little “do not touch” signs to their carts, carseats, onesies and strollers that let strangers know it’s not OK to touch the little one.

12. More maternal RSV vaccine programs are launching globally

In 2024, several countries introduced maternal RSV vaccination programs to protect infants before birth. For instance, the Australian government began offering free RSV vaccines to pregnant women starting from February 3, 2024. This initiative aims to provide up to six months of protection to newborns, significantly reducing the risk of severe RSV infections in early infancy.

13. Researchers are developing antiviral treatments for RSV

In October 2024, EDP-323, an investigational RSV antiviral, showed promising results in Phase 2a trials. If approved, this could become the first antiviral drug designed specifically to treat RSV infections.

FAQs

1. What are the symptoms of RSV in infants?

RSV symptoms in infants include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may cause rapid breathing or a bluish color around the lips.

2. Is there a cure for RSV?

There’s no cure for RSV, but symptoms can be managed with hydration, fever reducers, and rest. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

3. When does RSV season occur?

RSV season typically starts in the fall, peaking between late December and February, but the timing can vary each year.

A note from Motherly

RSV can be serious, and it’s important to remember that it’s OK to say no to an invitation if you’re not feeling well, or to reschedule if a prospective guest tells you they’ve got a little cold. Sometimes, little colds can turn into big problems for little babies, but if we all work together we can make everyone safer during RSV season.

A version of this story was originally published on Nov. 14,. 2018. It has been updated on January 27, 2025.

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