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What is RSV?

According to the CDC, Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus that usually causes “mild, cold-like symptoms.” It’s also the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms of RSV usually begin to appear within four to six days after initial infection and include:

How is RSV spread?

RSV is an airborne pathogen and can also spread in other ways. It can spread when:

Who is at the highest risk of severe RSV infection?

The CDC said infants/young children and older adults are the most vulnerable to the virus and most likely to get serious complications if they become ill.

Among infants/children most at risk:

Among older adults, the most at risk for severe RSV infection:

What diseases can RSV cause?

How can you prevent RSV?

RSV is typically seasonal during fall, winter, and spring, but can appear at any time. The CDC gives the following steps to try to avoid catching or spreading RSV to infants/young children and older adults.

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