RSV After the NICU: What Parents of Preemies Should Know

Why RSV matters for babies who were in the NICU

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms, but in young babies it can cause serious breathing problems. The CDC notes that infants — especially those born premature or with chronic lung or heart conditions — are among those at higher risk of severe illness.

For our family, it was the hardest part of the whole journey. After months in the NICU, Maverick finally came home — and then got RSV. Read Maverick’s story.

RSV protection options the CDC describes

According to CDC guidance (last updated by the CDC in August 2025):

• Maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January, so protective antibodies pass to the baby before birth.
• RSV antibody for the baby. For infants younger than 8 months entering their first RSV season whose mother did not get the vaccine during pregnancy, whose vaccine status is unknown, or who were born within 14 days of the mother’s vaccination. The CDC recommends giving it during RSV season (generally October through March), ideally before the baby leaves the hospital or in the first week of life.
• A second season for some higher-risk babies. Some children 8–19 months old at increased risk — including those with chronic lung disease of prematurity who needed medical support in the prior six months — may be recommended an antibody dose before their second RSV season.

Recommendations are updated as new products and data become available. Always check the current CDC guidance and talk with your baby’s care team about what is right for your baby.

Everyday precautions

The CDC lists everyday steps that help keep RSV from spreading:

• Wash or sanitize hands often — and ask visitors to wash before holding the baby.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home and away from others when sick — and ask sick friends and family to postpone visits.

RSV also spreads through direct contact, such as kissing a baby’s face, so it’s reasonable to ask anyone with cold symptoms to hold off.

Questions to ask before discharge

• Is my baby protected against RSV for this season? If not, when and where can they get protection?
• Will my baby be eligible for protection in a second RSV season?
• What breathing symptoms mean I should call you — and which mean I should call 911?
• Who do I call after hours?

Looking for more local support after discharge? See our Treasure Valley NICU resources, including the St. Luke’s NICU Follow-up Clinic and the Idaho Infant Toddler Program.