The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting an increase in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in multiple areas of the United States over the last few months. Emergency department wait times may be impacted as a result.
RSV is a common virus that typically leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. However, RSV can be more serious in young babies, especially those in certain high-risk groups.
More About RSV
RSV spreads through tiny droplets that go into the air when a sick person blows their nose, coughs, or sneezes. It can spread quickly in crowded spaces. For this reason, it's important to keep children at home when they are sick to prevent the spread of illness, especially to vulnerable populations.
Symptoms can differ by age. Older children may experience cough, runny nose, low fever and other cold-like symptoms, while infants under age 1 may have more severe symptoms including difficulty breathing. Symptoms for young children can also include irritability, decreased activity or appetite, nasal flaring or wheezing. Learn more >
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.
Call 911 if you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, otherwise consult your physician or pediatrician.
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