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Healthcare providers should consider RSV in patients with respiratory illness, particularly during the RSV season.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was discovered in 1956 and has since been recognized as one of the most common causes of childhood illness. It causes annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. In most regions of the United States, RSV circulation starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but the timing and severity of RSV season in a given community can vary from year to year. Scientists are developing several vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral therapies to help protect infants and young children, pregnant people (to protect their unborn babies), and older adults from severe RSV infection.
Healthcare providers should consider RSV in patients with respiratory illness, particularly during the RSV season.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was discovered in 1956 and has since been recognized as one of the most common causes of childhood illness. It causes annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. In most regions of the United States, RSV circulation starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but the timing and severity of RSV season in a given community can vary from year to year. Scientists are developing several vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral therapies to help protect infants and young children, pregnant people (to protect their unborn babies), and older adults from severe RSV infection.
In Infants and Young ChildrenRSV infection can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses in infants and young children. It most commonly causes a cold-like illness but can also cause lower respiratory infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. One to two percent of children younger than 6 months of age with RSV infection may need to be hospitalized. Severe disease most commonly occurs in very young infants.
In Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical ConditionsAdults who get infected with RSV usually have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms are usually consistent with an upper respiratory tract infection which can include rhinorrhea, pharyngitis, cough, headache, fatigue, and fever. Disease usually lasts less than five days.
Some adults, however, may have more severe symptoms consistent with a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia.
| Format | Article |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
| Source | National Center for Immunization and Respiatory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases |
| Length | 1 page |
| Publication Date | 10/28/2022 |
