SWEDEN
Table of Contents
The season for RS virus is now officially underway and the spread of infection is expected to increase sharply in the coming weeks. But this year there is a new weapon in the fight against the virus: for the first time, all newborns in Sweden are offered preventive treatment.
The Public Health Authority’s latest monitoring shows that the epidemic has started. So far, just over 1,200 cases have been reported, and the pattern is similar to last season when the peak was reached in early March. For most people, the RS virus manifests itself as a common cold, but for babies and the elderly, the situation can quickly become serious.
Historic investment in babies
During the winter season 2025/2026, all newborn babies are offered a free injection with protective antibodies. The treatment provides protection against serious infection for up to six months.
– The majority of all parents accept the offer. The fact that so far fewer infants with RS virus infection have been reported indicates that the treatment has had an effect, says Susanne Strömdahl, infectious disease doctor at the Public Health Agency.
In previous years, most cases have been reported among children under one year, but this year the cases so far appear to be more evenly distributed between 0 and 2 years, which indicates that the new treatment benefits the very youngest.
Advice for parents and relatives
Despite the new treatment, caution is still the most important tool to stop the infection.
– Children under one year should not meet people outside the family who have a cough or runny nose. Anyone who meets small children also needs to be extra careful with hand washing, says AnnaSara Carnahan, epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency.
Protection for the elderly and risk groups
Older people are also at high risk. Today, vaccination is recommended for people aged 75 and over, as well as for those over 60 with certain underlying diseases. However, unlike the treatment for infants, these vaccinations are currently not free.
The Public Health Authority is currently also reviewing future recommendations for vaccination of pregnant women, which can give babies protection right from birth.
Important to know about the RS virus:
Symptom: Reminiscent of a cold (cough, runny nose, fever), but can cause breathing difficulties in small children.
Treatment: Newborns are offered free antibodies in the 2025/2026 season.
Prevention: Wash your hands often and keep sick people away from babies.
Vaccine: Available for the elderly (75+) and pregnant, but so far is associated with a cost.
READ MORE: 1177.see about RS virus in children
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