RSV

What is RSV?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually spreads seasonally. It is most serious in infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. 

Almost all children will gat an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. It can be particularly severe in premature infants, infants younger than 6 months, and young children with pre-existing health conditions. However, approximately 75% of infants hospitalized for RSV are not born prematurely and don't have underlying medical conditions. In the U.S., RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in children younger than one year old. 

in older adults- especially those age 65 years and older - RSV causes upwards of 120,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths every year in the U.S. Those at highest risk of severe outcomes related to RSV include older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and/or weakened immune systems. 

What are the symptoms? 

Common symptoms of RSV include:

- Fever 

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Cough

- Shortness of breath

- Wheezing 

If someone is sick and having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away. Additional warning signs include blue lips or face, irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite, and apnea (temporary stopping of breathing). RSV can lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection in the lung). 

Prevention

We now have tools to prevent RSV in the most high risk groups: infants, young children and people over 60. 

Pregnant people can get vaccinated against RSV to pass protection along to their baby. The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended for use during pregnancy between weeks 32 and 36 of gestation during RSV season (usually September through January). 

Adults 60 and older can be vaccinated against RSV.