Rethinking how to protect babies for longer against RSV

Medical Xpress

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A new University of Queensland study highlights the need for improved strategies to protect infants older than six months from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), following an analysis of 18,683 RSV cases among children under two years old in Queensland between 2022 and 2023. The research revealed particularly high infection rates in children aged 0–15 months, underscoring the vulnerability of this age group to the highly contagious virus. The findings, published in the journal BMC Public Health, emphasize the urgent need for innovative approaches to combat RSV, which remains a leading cause of hospitalization for young children worldwide. RSV is a common yet serious respiratory infection that can lead to severe complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia. While vaccines are currently being developed, they are not yet widely available, leaving infants and young children at heightened risk. The study’s focus on Queensland provides valuable regional insights into RSV transmission patterns, which may vary by climate and population density. The research also points to the potential impact of rising global temperatures, which could increase the spread of RSV in coming years. The high incidence of RSV in infants aged 0–15 months highlights the critical need for better prevention methods tailored to this age group. Current strategies, such as home-based infection control measures and limited vaccine options, may fall short in providing adequate protection for older babies and young children. The study’s authors stress the importance of further research to identify effective interventions that can reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and deaths. For parents and healthcare providers, understanding the risks associated with RSV is crucial. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to severe complications from the virus, and their vulnerability extends beyond the six-month mark, as shown by the

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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026