For most families, a cold is a few rough days. For a child who uses oxygen, has a trach, or was born early, a respiratory virus can mean a hospital stay. Knowing how RSV season in Florida works, and planning with your child's doctor before fall and winter, is one of the most useful things a parent can do this time of year.
When Is RSV Season in South Florida?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, spreads like a cold through coughs and sneezes, as well as hands that touch shared surfaces. Florida tracks RSV by region, and the Florida Department of Health treats the season in Southeast Florida, including Broward County, as year-round.
Flu usually picks up in late fall and winter, and other colds circulate at the same time. Families of medically complex children in Hollywood and the rest of Broward should plan for respiratory viruses at any time of year, with extra care from fall onward.
Which Children Face Higher Risk?
Any young child can get very sick from RSV or flu. Health agencies list these groups as more likely to need hospital care:
- Babies, especially those born premature or younger than 6 months
- Children with chronic lung disease, including NICU graduates with lung complications
- Children with heart conditions present from birth
- Children with weakened immune systems
- Children with neuromuscular conditions that make it hard to swallow or clear mucus
Your child's pediatrician or specialist knows your child's risk best. Bring this list to your next visit and ask what applies to your child.
Protection to Ask the Doctor About
Questions worth asking at your child's next appointment include:
- RSV preventive antibody. A one-time shot is recommended for most babies under 8 months, and some higher-risk children 8 to 19 months old can get one before their second season. Ask whether your child qualifies.
- Flu vaccine. A yearly flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, including parents and siblings as well as other caregivers in the home.
- A sick-day plan. Ask what to do if your child gets a cold, such as changes to breathing treatments, oxygen, or suctioning, and when to call.
Keep the plan with your child's medical papers and share a copy with everyone who cares for your child.
Habits That Help at Home
Simple steps can reduce how often germs reach your child:
- Wash hands with soap and water when you come home and before touching your child's equipment.
- Ask visitors with cold symptoms to wait until they feel better.
- Clean toys and phones, along with other high-touch surfaces, often.
- Keep your child away from cigarette smoke and vaping.
- Keep extra supplies on hand, such as suction catheters, so a sick day does not turn into a supply run.
Signs to Call the Doctor
Call 911 for pauses in breathing, blue or gray lips, or severe trouble breathing. For the other signs below, call your child's doctor right away and follow your child's emergency plan:
- Fast breathing, or skin pulling in between the ribs or at the neck with each breath
- Higher oxygen needs than usual
- Poor feeding, or fewer wet diapers than normal
- Fever in a baby younger than 3 months, or unusual sleepiness
If your child seems different from their usual self and you are unsure, call the doctor.
How Our Nurses Help During the Season
At Peek A Boo Pediatric Care, licensed nurses are with your child throughout attendance, and our respiratory therapy team handles breathing treatments and trach and ventilator care, including suctioning. Nurses follow your child's orders and call you if your child shows signs of illness.
Ask us about our illness policy when you tour. If you are new to PPEC, start with What Is a PPEC? and our Medicaid eligibility guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is RSV season in Florida?
Florida tracks RSV by region. In Southeast Florida, including Broward County, the Florida Department of Health treats RSV season as year-round, and flu usually adds to it in late fall and winter.
Which children are at higher risk from RSV?
Babies, especially premature babies, and children with chronic lung disease, heart conditions from birth, weakened immune systems, or neuromuscular conditions are more likely to get very sick.
Is there a shot to protect my baby from RSV?
Yes. A one-time RSV preventive antibody shot is recommended for most babies under 8 months, and some higher-risk children 8 to 19 months old can get one before their second season. Ask your child's doctor.
When should I call the doctor about a cold?
Call 911 for pauses in breathing, blue or gray lips, or severe trouble breathing. Call the doctor right away for fast breathing, higher oxygen needs, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, or a fever in a baby under 3 months.
Do nurses at Peek A Boo watch for signs of illness?
Yes. Licensed nurses follow each child's orders and call parents if a child shows signs of illness. Ask about our illness policy when you tour.
Have Questions About Your Child's Care This Season?
Book a visit to meet our nurses and respiratory team. Se habla español.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your child's doctor about vaccines and prevention. In an emergency, call 911.