What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age in the United States. It is a common reason for young infants to be hospitalized during the RSV season. RSV can also cause serious respiratory illness in older adults. Most healthy people recover from RSV infection in 1 to 2 weeks. However, infection can be severe in a few, usually among those who are at higher risk for some reason. Almost all children are infected with the virus by age 2 years, but not all develop a bad infection. RSV infections occur all around the world. The RSV season in the United States is typically from November to April. However, the timing of the RSV season may differ based on geography. How is RSV infection spread? RSV spreads easily from person to person. The infection gets into your body through your nose, mouth or eyes. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, virus-containing droplets get in the air. If you are close enough, you can breathe in these droplets or they can land on your mouth, nose, or eye. You can also get the infection if you get infected nose or mouth secretions on your hands and then rub your eyes or nose. RSV can survive on hard surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, toys, and crib rails for many hours. RSV typically lives on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands for shorter amounts of time. Who is at higher risk of severe RSV infection? Not everyone gets a bad infection from RSV. However, RSV can lead to serious lung infection, breathing problems and hospitalization for some people who are at higher risk. These include: • Premature infants born before 29 weeks of pregnancy (gestation). Premature infants are born before they can get enough infection-fighting antibodies against RSV from their mothers. • Infants and children who are less than 24 months of age and have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, a lung disease from extreme prematurity). For more information on BPD go to ATS Patient Information Series " What is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia " at • Some children with congenital heart defects or some other chronic lung diseases are also at higher risk. • Children and adults who have compromised (weakened) immune systems due to a medical condition or medical treatment. • Adults aged 65 years and older. What are the symptoms of RSV infection? Symptoms …