Preparing for Winter Respiratory Season 2025: Layered Protections for Newborns

Winter respiratory season 2025 — a quick primer for new parents

Winter brings overlapping respiratory viruses — RSV, influenza and SARS‑CoV‑2 — that can be particularly risky for young infants. This article explains a layered protection plan for newborns (what’s new in 2025), practical testing guidance for RSV/flu/COVID, and the specific signs that mean you should call your pediatrician or seek emergency care.

Key point: public health guidance in 2025 emphasizes prevention through maternal immunization or infant antibody protection for RSV, continued attention to influenza antivirals when clinically indicated, and prompt testing or clinical evaluation when infants show worrying symptoms.

Layered protections you can plan now

Think of protection like layers in clothing — each layer reduces risk. Combine medical prevention with everyday household measures.

1) Medical prevention options (what’s new and who they help)

• Maternal RSV vaccination: Pregnant people can receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy (timing typically in late 2nd/early 3rd trimester as discussed with your provider) to pass antibodies to the baby and reduce severe infant RSV. This is one recommended option to protect infants.
• Infant monoclonal antibodies: Long‑acting monoclonal antibodies (first nirsevimab, and in 2025 an additional product, clesrovimab/Enflonsia) are now authorized for infants born during or entering their first RSV season. For many newborns, receiving a single dose in the birth hospitalization or shortly after birth is the recommended way to reduce RSV hospitalizations. Talk to your pediatrician about eligibility and local timing.

2) Vaccination for household contacts

Adults and older children in the home should stay current on flu and COVID‑19 vaccine guidance appropriate to their age and health status. Vaccinating caregivers reduces the chance of bringing viruses to the baby.

3) Practical home layers

• Limit high‑risk visits (especially in the baby’s first 8–12 weeks) and avoid crowded indoor spaces during peak season.
• Use masks if a household member is ill or has recent high‑risk exposures (consider mask use around newborns during surges).
• Practice frequent hand hygiene before holding or feeding the baby.
• Optimize indoor air — simple ventilation (open a window briefly), portable HEPA purifiers if you have high-risk household members, and maintaining comfortable humidity (not over‑humidified) can help comfort and reduce irritants.

Timing note: in most of the continental U.S. RSV antibody administration is recommended October through the end of March; infants born during the season should ideally receive antibody protection within one week of birth. Local timing can vary based on regional surveillance.

When to test for RSV, flu or COVID — and why testing matters

Testing helps identify the cause of illness, guide treatment (for example, starting antivirals for influenza in an eligible child), and informs infection control at home. But in newborns, clinical evaluation often matters more than an outpatient rapid test — if your infant looks unwell, contact your pediatric provider immediately.

Practical testing guidance

• If the infant has symptoms (fever, cough, fast or labored breathing, poor feeding): test as soon as possible or take the infant for clinical evaluation; clinicians may use PCR or rapid molecular tests in clinic/hospital. For COVID‑19, test immediately if symptomatic; for exposures, many sites recommend testing around days 3–5 after exposure. Note: at‑home antigen tests are not validated for most infants under age 2 — see your pediatrician for testing options.
• Influenza: children at high risk or infants with suspected flu may be started on antivirals (oseltamivir) without waiting for a positive test if influenza is circulating and the clinician judges treatment appropriate — early treatment (ideally within 48 hours) gives the most benefit.
• RSV: routine outpatient RSV testing isn’t always required for mild colds; testing is commonly done for infants who need hospital admission, have respiratory distress, or when results would change management. If your baby is breathing rapidly, feeding poorly, or is very sleepy, seek evaluation rather than relying on a home test.

When testing may not be needed

If an infant has a mild rhinorrhea/runny nose but is feeding well, active and has no fever, many pediatricians will advise home care without testing — but follow your pediatrician’s individual guidance.