Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection

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What is Respiratory syncytial virus infection?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can cause serious respiratory infections in young babies, especially those born prematurely, who have heart or lung disease, or who are immunocompromised.

Who gets Respiratory syncytial virus infection?

RSV is the most common respiratory pathogen in infants and young children. It has infected nearly all infants by the age of two years. Seasonal outbreaks of acuterespiratory illness occur each year, on a schedule that is somewhat predictable in each region. The season typically begins in the fall and runs into the spring.

Each year up to 125,000 infants are hospitalized due to severe RSV disease; and about 1-2% of these infants die. Infants born prematurely, those with chronic lung disease, those who are immunocompromised, and those with certain forms of heart disease are at increased risk for severe RSV disease.

Predisposing Factors

Those who are exposed to tobacco smoke, who attend daycare, who live in crowded conditions, or have school-age siblings are at higher risk.

Progression

RSV is a common cause of bronchiolitis in infants (it is complicated by pneumonia in approximately 10% of cases).

Immunity is short-lived and so reinfection is common throughout life.

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