Together against RS: What every mother should know

In collaboration with Sanofi

A small virus with a big impact - this fall, Sweden is introducing a preventive campaign against the RS virus - for babies born from September 10, 2025.

RSV is a cold-like virus that can be particularly tough on our little ones. While adults usually only get a mild cold, RS viruses in babies can lead to breathing difficulties and sometimes hospitalization.

"When my 2-month-old son contracted the RS virus last winter, it started as a simple runny nose but quickly developed into labored breathing and hospitalization. I wish I had known more about the risks beforehand," says Emma, a mother of two from Stockholm.

Prevention initiative for children throughout Sweden starts September 10, 2025

All infants under 3 months of age during the RS season are offered protection against the RS virus in the form of a preventive treatment. Certain risk groups up to two years of age are also covered. The protection is provided at the time of delivery/childbirth for children born from September 10, 2025 and is free of charge.

"This is very good news for our youngest children and their parents. The major benefit of RSV prevention is that fewer children will need to seek emergency care," explains Professor Niklas Arnberg from Umeå University.

Did you know that: In the first year of life, more than half of all children are infected with RSV and by the age of two, almost all have been infected. Babies are particularly vulnerable, and it is difficult to know in advance who might get really sick. Many who end up in hospital have been perfectly healthy before.

Read more about parents' experiences

There are also approved vaccines against RSV for adults of different ages and for pregnant women. The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends RSV vaccination for all persons aged 75 years and older and for persons aged 60 years and older with certain underlying diseases. At present, the Public Health Agency of Sweden has no recommendation on vaccination against the RS virus for pregnant women.

Do you recognize the symptoms?

It is good to know what to pay attention to. RS in babies often starts with:

• Sniffles and nasal congestion
• Hosta
• fever
• Irritability

As the disease worsens, your baby may have difficulty breathing and lose their appetite. This is especially true for babies under 3 months old, so it is important to be extra vigilant.

How can you protect your baby?

RSV is easily spread through sneezing, coughing and even kissing. The virus can even survive on toys for several hours.

Some simple ways to protect your little one:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze in the arm fold
• Keep surfaces and toys clean
• Avoid visits from people with cold symptoms
• Let any older siblings wash their hands and change clothes, or preferably bathe/shower, when they come home from preschool/school

When should you seek medical attention?

Trust your gut as a parent! Seek medical attention right away if your baby:

• Has breathing difficulties
• Breathe quickly
• Has difficulty eating
• Have a high fever (especially if the baby is under 3 months old)

Please talk to your midwife for more information.

Read more about the Together against RSV campaign

References:

Public Health Agency of Sweden (2025) Disease information on RSV infection - Public Health Agency of Sweden (retrieved May 2025)

RSV report 61901 Protect all children_RS-virus.pdf  (retrieved May 2025)

MAT-SE-2500310 - 1.0/06/25