RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulates widely every year, typically peaking in colder months in temperate climates. Nearly all children are infected at least once by age two, and reinfection throughout life is common because immunity is incomplete. While most cases resemble a common cold, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants and can cause serious illness in older adults, particularly those with chronic heart or lung disease. Recent approvals of vaccines and preventive antibody treatments mark a shift in how RSV risk can be managed for the most vulnerable groups. Virus Tracker tracks regional activity where seasonal reporting is available.

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, and through direct contact with a contaminated surface followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. It spreads efficiently in households, schools, and childcare settings, and can survive on hard surfaces for several hours.

Most people experience mild, cold-like symptoms including runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever. In infants and young children, RSV can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia with wheezing and difficulty breathing. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems can also develop severe lower respiratory illness.

Vaccines are now available for older adults and pregnant women, and a long-acting preventive antibody can be given to infants. General measures include hand hygiene, avoiding close contact while symptomatic, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, especially around infants and older relatives.

RSV surveillance typically relies on sentinel laboratory testing and hospitalization tracking, often reported alongside influenza data during shared respiratory virus seasons. Trends help hospitals anticipate pediatric bed demand during seasonal peaks.

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