Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. RSV spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These actions can create droplets of mucus or saliva which carry RSV. Then, when those droplets make contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth of someone who is not sick, that person may become infected.
For most people RSV infection produces mild, cold-like symptoms that go away on their own in a week or two. But in some cases, RSV can cause severe lung infections, including pneumonia. The groups of people who are most at risk from RSV complications include infants younger than 6 months of age, people older than age 65, and young children and older adults who have pre-existing lung, heart, or immune system conditions.
Most people with RSV can recover at home without additional care, however you should call your healthcare provider if you or your child experience difficulty breathing, difficulty drinking liquids, or your symptoms get worse.
Although there is no vaccine available yet, there are things you can do to prevent the spread of RSV. Wash your hands often, keep your hands away from your face, avoid close contact with sick people, cover your coughs and sneezes, disinfect surfaces, and stay home when you are sick.
To view the source of this background information and more RSV resources, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) RSV website under Resources.
Information for the General Public
Information for Healthcare Professionals
Utah Surveillance Data
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Kid’s Health
- Mayo Clinic
- MedLine Plus
- National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases