Respiratory syncytial virus (sin-SISH-shul VI-rus), or RSV, is a common, seasonal and easily-spread virus. You've probably had RSV disease and thought it was just a bad cold. In fact, nearly all children will get their first RSV infection by age two.
Most people with RSV disease suffer moderate to severe cold-like symptoms. For some babies,
RSV disease can be more serious—it's the #1 cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S.
Preemies and babies with certain heart or lung conditions are at high risk for severe RSV
disease, which could lead to serious lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
That's why it's important to know who's at high risk for severe RSV disease.
- Babies born prematurely at 35 weeks or less
- Babies born with certain types of heart disease
- Babies with chronic lung disease
It's never too early to talk to your baby's doctor about Synagis® and RSV.
Use this 
doctor dialogue card to go over some of the questions you and your baby's doctor might have for each other.
If your baby was born prematurely, you probably already know how fragile preemie lungs can be. And even as preemies start to look healthy and strong, their lungs remain smaller and less developed than those of full-term babies. That's why preemies are at greater risk for a severe lung infection from RSV.
Important Safety Information
What is Synagis® (palivizumab)?
Synagis is a prescription medication that is used to help prevent a serious lung
disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and children at high
risk for severe lung disease from RSV. Over one million children have been given
Synagis. It is given as a shot, usually in the thigh muscle, each month during the
RSV season. Children who develop an RSV infection while receiving Synagis should
continue the monthly dosing schedule throughout the season.
Who should not receive Synagis?
Synagis should not be used in children who have ever had a severe allergic reaction
to Synagis or its ingredients. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could
include: itchy rash; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the face;
bluish color of the skin; muscle weakness or floppiness; and/or unresponsiveness. If
your child has any of these signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after
getting Synagis, be sure to tell your child's healthcare provider or get medical help
right away.
What are the side effects with Synagis?
Possible, serious side effects include severe allergic reaction which may occur after
any dose of Synagis. Unusual bruising and/or groups of tiny red spots on the skin
have also been reported.
Common side effects of Synagis include fever, cold-like symptoms (upper respiratory
tract infection), including runny nose and ear infection, and rash. Other possible side
effects include skin reactions around the area where the shot was given (like
redness, swelling, warmth or discomfort). In children born with certain heart
problems, other possible side effects include bluish color of the skin and abnormal
heart rhythms.
These are not all the possible side effects of Synagis. Tell your child's healthcare
provider about any side effect that bothers your child or that does not go away.
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