Simply, it is a virus that infects the lungs and airways.  RSV can affect anyone of any age, but it is most common in infancy and early childhood.  Almost all children will have been infected with RSV by the time they are two to three years old.

RSV is usually a mild disease that goes away on its own.  In premature babies and in children less than two years old with certain lung conditions or congenital heart disease, RSV can lead to serious lung infections.  When this happens, babies can become very sick and may require hospitalization.

RSV infections tend to occur during colder weather.  The peak RSV season usually lasts from November to April in Canada. Our clinic provides a monthly injection to help protect high risk infants from RSV.

Symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Dehydration
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Other cold-like symptoms

Synagis® (palivizumab) is used to help prevent serious lung infections caused by RSV in children at high risk of RSV disease.  Synagis is given as an injection, usually in the thigh muscle, each month during the RSV season.  Each injection of Synagis will help protect your child for one month before another injection is needed.  A total of five doses can be received. If a baby comes in contact with RSV, the body will recognize it and be better equipped to fight it.

Synagis® is not a vaccine.  No vaccines have been successfully developed against RSV.

Who qualifies for Synagis®?

If your baby is less than 33 weeks gestation, he/she will qualify to receive Synagis® during RSV season.

If your baby is born between 33 and 36 weeks gestation, a questionnaire will be completed by your nurse to determine whether or not your baby is eligible.

Specific Medical Illness Considerations

• Cystic fibrosis
• Neuromuscular disease
• Airway anomalies

Prevention

Even if your baby is not eligible to receive Synagis®, there are other ways to help reduce your baby’s risk of developing an infection:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap or alcohol hand rinse before touching your baby
• If you have a cold or fever, gently hug or stroke (not kiss) your baby
• Keep anyone with cold symptoms or fever away from your baby
• Try to keep your baby away from crowded places
• Keep your home smoke-free

Referrals are accepted from pediatricians, family physicians, or the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic.
 

 Provider Referrals

Healthcare providers can find our NEO Kids & Family Central Intake eReferral Form on the Ocean Healthmap.

For assistance, please call NEO Navigation, central intake team at 705-523-7120.

• Synagis - Parent & Caregiver Website
   
• RSV programs - Government of Ontario