Why Newborns Are More Vulnerable to RSV Infections

Newborn infants face a higher risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus infections because their airways are narrow.

Dr. Ulul Albab, Sp.O.G., Subsp.Obginsos., a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, compared a baby’s airway size to a small drinking straw during an event in Jakarta on Wednesday as reported by health.kompas.com.

Kayak sedotan, mungkin lebih kecil lagi kayak sedotan,” he told [health.kompas.com](https://health.kompas.com – Newborns are more susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections because their respiratory tracts are still small).

Beyond anatomical constraints, newborns lack a fully developed adaptive immune system to fight off pathogens independently. In their earliest weeks of life, infants rely solely on maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta during pregnancy, according to health.kompas.com.

This passive immunity leaves babies unequipped to recognize and combat novel viral threats effectively. “Dia hanya membawa kekebalan yang dibawa dari ibunya pada saat dalam kandungan,” Albab told health.kompas.com.

Affectionate physical contact from family members and visitors frequently exposes infants to respiratory pathogens in domestic settings. DetikHealth reported that kissing, holding, and cuddling babies can inadvertently transmit respiratory syncytial virus, which often starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and fever.

While adults usually experience mild symptoms, infections in infants under six months old frequently lead to severe lower respiratory complications. “Babies are born, immediately dressed, dressed in various dress codes, photographed, and uploaded, with family members coming over to pinch and kiss them. Then the child suddenly develops a fever and so on,” Albab told detikHealth.

Preventing severe disease in infants requires proactive protection during pregnancy through targeted maternal immunization strategies. According to [Liputan6](Liputan6.com, Jakarta – The Secretary General of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI), Dr. Ulul Albab, SpOG, Subsp.Obginsos, FISOG, said there are three vaccines recommended for pregnant women. The Indonesian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Indonesian Fetal Medicine Federation recommend three specific vaccines for expectant mothers.

The recommended immunizations include the influenza vaccine, the Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, and the RSV vaccine administered during the third trimester.

“Antibodies are transferred naturally through the placenta, thus providing passive immunity to the baby from birth,” Albab told [Liputan6](Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Secretary General of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI), doctor Ulul Albab, SpOG, Subsp.Obginsos, FISOG said there are three vaccines recommended for pregnant women).

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