RSV - What is it and who is at risk?

Respiratory syncytial 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.

🦠 RSV can spread when…

• 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

⚠️ People at highest risk for severe disease include:

• 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

🚨 RSV PREVENTION 🚨

✔️ Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands

✔️ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

✔️ Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others

✔️ Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices