Winter is a beautiful season for cozy cuddles, hot drinks, and baby bumps wrapped in warm knits — but it’s also a time when illnesses like RSV, flu, and whooping cough start to rise. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, there are easy ways to help protect your baby before they’re even born.
Why winter protection is so important
As the temperature drops, cases of RSV, flu, and whooping cough go up — and babies are especially vulnerable in their first few months. Their tiny immune systems are still getting started, so infections that are mild for adults can lead to serious illness or even hospital stays for little ones.
A quick guide to RSV, flu & whooping cough
Here’s what you need to know about each of these winter nasties:
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, talking, or touching shared surfaces (like toys).
Causes cold-like symptoms: runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough.
In some babies, RSV can lead to serious breathing issues, poor feeding and may require urgent care.
It’s the leading reason babies are hospitalised in winter here in Australia.
RSV season runs from April to September.
Flu (Influenza)
A serious viral infection caused by influenza A or B.
Affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
Flu season peaks May to September.
Can cause high fever, fatigue, cough, and complications like pneumonia — more severe than a common cold.
Recovery usually takes a week, but the tiredness can hang around longer.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
A bacterial infection of the nose and throat.
Starts like a cold: runny nose, red eyes, fever, then turns into a harsh, dry cough.
Cough can last for weeks or even months, and it’s especially dangerous for babies.
Can lead to lung infections and serious breathing difficulties.
When to get help
If your baby or child shows serious symptoms, don’t wait:
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice from a registered nurse.
In an emergency, call 000 or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Simple ways to stop the spread this winter
Let’s keep the germs at bay! Here’s how:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover sneezes and coughs with your elbow or a tissue (then bin it and wash up).
Don’t share cups, utensils, or dummies – especially if someone’s unwell.
If anyone in the house is sick, they should stay home and keep a safe distance from baby.
Vaccination during pregnancy: your baby’s first line of defence
The great news? Vaccines are available — and free — to help protect your baby. When you’re vaccinated during pregnancy, you pass protective antibodies to your baby through the placenta. That means they’re covered from birth.
Here’s what’s available:
RSV vaccine – Available from 28 weeks of pregnancy, reducing the risk of severe RSV in babies by up to 70%.
Flu vaccine – Safe to get at any time during pregnancy and protects both you and your newborn in those first fragile months.
Whooping cough vaccine – Recommended between 20 and 32 weeks, though it can be given right up to delivery.
All of these vaccines can be given at the same time, so no need for multiple appointments.
And if you weren’t able to get vaccinated during pregnancy, some babies may still be eligible for RSV immunisation after birth.
Want to find out more?
Speak with your GP, midwife, or immunisation provider about what’s right for you and your baby. They’ll help you check eligibility and book your vaccinations.
For more info, visit: sahealth.sa.gov.au/rsv
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