Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory illness that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms in most people. However, newborns and infants are at higher risk of serious illness from RSV.
Common symptoms of RSV include:
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Mild sore throat
- Earache
- Fever
In infants, RSV may lead to additional symptoms like:
- Low energy
- Fussiness or crankiness
- Reduced appetite
Some infants may also experience more serious symptoms, like wheezing.
To protect infants during their first RSV season, which usually runs from November to May, eligible infants in the NWT can receive the vaccine Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS™) at no cost. We recommend that all infants who are ages 0 to 3 months at the start of this season receive Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS™) as well as all babies who are born during RSV season.
For more information, call 811 or talk to your nurse or doctor.