RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, causes mild cold-like symptoms in most healthy people but can be serious or life-threatening for certain groups. Infants under 6 months, premature babies, older adults over 75, and those with chronic conditions like heart or lung disease face the highest risks.
Severity in Infants
Infants experience the most severe effects, with RSV leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia that hospitalizes 2-3% of babies under 6 months annually. Globally, it causes over 3.6 million hospitalizations and 100,000 deaths in children under 5 each year, mostly in low-resource areas.
Risks for Older Adults
In adults 65+, especially those 75+ or with weakened immunity, COPD, or heart issues, RSV worsens chronic conditions and raises risks of heart attack, stroke, or death—up to 10,000 U.S. fatalities yearly.
Common Complications
Severe cases involve breathing difficulties, low oxygen, hospitalization with oxygen or ventilation support, and long-term issues like recurrent wheezing or asthma.
