Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.

How is RSV transmitted

• An infected person coughs or sneezes
• You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth
• You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
• You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands

Who is most at risk?

• Premature infants
• Young children with congenital (from birth) heart or chronic lung disease
• Young children with compromised (weakened) immune systems due to a medical condition or medical treatment
• Children with neuromuscular disorders
• Adults with compromised immune systems
• Older adults, especially those with underlying heart or lung disease

In the United States and other areas with similar climates, RSV circulation generally starts during fall and peaks in the winter. The timing and severity of RSV circulation in a given community can vary from year to year.

Resources

• WastewaterSCAN Dashboard
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) (ca.gov)
• Health Advisory: Early Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Seasonal Influenza Activity (ca.gov)