Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (which is commonly called RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness. The virus usually causes a common cold. But sometimes it infects the lungs and breathing passages and can cause breathing problems. Infants, young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection?

People with RSV might have cold symptoms, such as:

a stuffy or runny nose
sore throat
headache
cough
fever

Sometimes, an RSV infection can lead to other respiratory conditions such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Most people recover from RSV in one to two weeks. Unfortunately, some individuals at risk are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

If you are between 32-36 weeks pregnant, are older or high risk, a vaccine is available.

For young infants, a preventative antibody can be given after birth up to the age of 8 months.

According to the Center for Disease Control, each year in the United States, an estimated 58,000-80,000 children younger than 5 years are hospitalized due to RSV infection. Children at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include the following:

Premature infants
Infants up to 12 months, especially those 6 months and younger
Children younger than 2 years with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
Children with weakened immune systems
Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions

Also, according to the CDC, RSV infections can be dangerous for certain adults. Each year, it is estimated that between 60,000-160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized and 6,000-10,000 die due to RSV infection. Adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include:

Older adults
Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
Adults with weakened immune systems
Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions
Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities

When an adult gets RSV infection, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop a lung infection or pneumonia.

RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of serious conditions such as:

Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe
Congestive heart failure – when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen through the body

What can we do to help prevent RSV and other viruses?

Several things can be done! These include: