Who is at Increased Risk?⁶

Infants and young children that may be at risk for developing serious or life-threatening complications from RSV infections include:

• Infants who attend daycare
• Premature babies (infants born before 35 weeks of pregnancy)
• Infants under 6-8 weeks of age
• Infants or toddlers with congenital heart disease
• Infants or toddlers with chronic lung complications
  (including asthma and bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
• Two or more children who share a bedroom
• Multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Infants with school age siblings
• Infants exposed to passive smoke exposure
• Infants with a body mass less than 11 pounds
• Infant boys
• Infants who are not breastfed.

When to Call the Doctor

Most cases of RSV infections are not severe. However, you should call your baby's doctor or healthcare provider right away if you have any concerns about your child's health.

 

⁶Preemie Care, (accessed 9/4/2008)