Wash your hands
Wash your hands often and ask others to do the same.
Be extra careful with hand hygiene when you have babies and especially if you have a cold yourself or if older siblings and other family members have a cold. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. It can also be a good idea to use a hand sanitizer.
It is mainly other people’s lack of hand hygiene that can pose a risk as people with colds can transmit infection via various surfaces, such as handles on shopping carts, doorknobs, and handrails in public transports.
Avoid crowds
Avoid crowds and other young children, especially those with colds or fever.
Keep your baby away from crowds. RS virus is spread by respiratory secretions from coughs and sneezes in close contact with infected persons or by contact with contaminated objects. If relatives and friends visit, avoid close contacts and practice safe distancing. If they have a cold or cold- like symptoms avoid visits altogether.
If possible, limit the time they spend in child-care centres or other potentially contagious settings, especially during fall, winter, and spring. This may help prevent infection and spread of the virus during the RSV season
When you as a parent or caregiver have a cold avoid close contact, such as hugs and kisses. Teach both yourself and older siblings to cough and sneeze in the armpit.
In times when colds are frequent avoid indoor gatherings altogether, especially with many children, playing close to each other with the same toys.