Who gets RSV?
RSV is very common; almost everyone has an infection with this virus in their first few years of life. RSV is a cause of the common cold in persons of most ages. However, in infants and young children, it is the most important cause of inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs and of pneumonia. For children under six months of age it can be a severe disease, especially if they have a condition such as prematurity, heart disease at birth, respiratory disease, or a disease or treatment affecting the immune system. How is the virus spread? Humans are the only source of infection. RSV may be spread by direct or close contact, which may involve droplets from the nose or mouth of an infected person. RSV may also be spread indirectly by hands, handkerchiefs, tissues, eating utensils, or other items soiled with the virus. What are the symptoms of RSV? Symptoms of RSV include inflammation of the lining of the nose, throat, tonsils, upper breathing tubes, or bronchial tubes of the lungs.
