Respiratory Syncytial Virus

MYFOXNY.COM - Dr. Sapna Parikh reports about respiratory syncytial virus, which infects nearly all infants by the age of 2. In adults and children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, in babies who are born prematurely and in children with certain medical conditions, it can develop into a serious respiratory illness requiring hospitalization.

RSV is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages, according to the CDC. Most otherwise healthy people recover from RSV infection in 1 to 2 weeks. However, infection can be severe in some people, such as certain infants, young children, and older adults. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age in the United States. In addition, RSV is more often being recognized as an important cause of respiratory illness in older adults.

For more information on the signs and symptoms to look out for:

• CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
  
• RSV ANSWERS