what is rsv virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is a single- stranded RNA virus that can cause infections ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. RSV spreads through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can also live on surfaces for several hours, making it highly contagious. Symptoms usually begin a few days after exposure and include coughing, wheezing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Most cases are mild, but severe cases may require hospitalization with supportive treatments like oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Prevention includes good hygiene, hand-washing, and recently approved vaccines for high-risk groups.