TORONTO, Sep. 29, 2025 (CNW Group via COMTEX) --
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in Canada, yet few parents know that safe, effective protection options exist. Each year, RSV sends an average of more than 2,500 infants to hospital - nearly half of them under six months old. Nationally, approximately 2% of infants are hospitalized with RSV in their first year, and in some remote communities, that number rises to 5-17%.
RSV often causes cold-like symptoms in older children, but it can be far more serious for babies with developing lungs and immune systems, especially those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions. In severe cases, hospitalization may require oxygen or breathing support, and research shows early RSV infection can increase the risk of asthma later in childhood.
Proven, Health Canadaâ??approved RSV prevention options are available in Canada to help protect infants during their most vulnerable months and are already used worldwide:
"Parents have a natural instinct to protect their children," said Theresa Tang, CEO, Praxus Health. "But while most parents know RSV is dangerous, very few know that proven options exist to protect their baby during the earliest months of life. Our goal is to close that awareness gap and give families the tools to make informed choices."
2024 survey data reflects this knowledge gap, with 87.6% of mothers expressing concern about their child getting RSV under the age of six months, but fewer than 30% knowing about available protection options.
"RSV can be devastating for infants and their families, leading to hospitalization and potential long-term health impacts," said Dr. Cora Constantinescu, Pediatrician and Infectious Diseases Doctor. "We finally have prevention options - whether during pregnancy or after birth â?? that now give babies a fighting chance against this serious infection."
Publicly funded RSV protection options vary across Canada. Parents are encouraged to speak with a healthcare provider about RSV and the protection options available in their area. Learn more and find up-to-date, province-specific information at:Â praxushealth.ca/campaign/rsv-parent
About Praxus HealthPraxus Health is a Canadian not-for-profit that works collaboratively with partners across sectors to drive meaningful healthcare change. From vaccine confidence to cancer screening and beyond, it delivers a wide-range of projects to improve health outcomes nationwide. By engaging healthcare providers, researchers, and community groups, Praxus Health develops trusted resources that help Canadians make informed decisions about their health. For more information, visit www.praxushealth.ca.
SOURCE Praxus Health
SOURCE: Praxus Health
For further information and interview requests, please contact: Morgan Gadsby |
Michelle Bigda, PRAXIS, morgan@praxispr.ca | michelleb@praxispr.ca
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