Who is affected by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a common illness that affects people throughout life. The first infection is usually the worst and occurs in early childhood. Approximately 90% of children have had at least one RSV infection by age 2.1
RSV infection spreads easily where there are many people in one area, such as households, urban areas, nursing homes, and child care centers. Because symptoms often resemble those of the common cold, RSV infection is often not recognized. However, in the United States, this virus is the most common cause of respiratory infection in young children that requires hospitalization.
Bronchiolitis is the major complication of RSV in infants and young children. In the United States, approximately 31 infants (under 1 year of age) in 1,000 infected are hospitalized for bronchiolitis resulting from RSV.2 The hospitalization rate is higher for certain populations. For example, Native American infants who receive health care through the Indian Health Services have a rate of 62 hospitalizations per 1,000 infants infected with RSV.2
An RSV infection is more likely to cause serious complications in infants younger than 6 months of age, especially those who were born prematurely or have another underlying health problem. Other people who have an increased risk of developing complications include adults age 65 and older and anyone with chronic health problems, especially heart disease, lung disease, or immune system problems. In older people, pneumonia is a common complication of RSV.
| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: August 9, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | |
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