What is RSV, and why it matters to older adults
What is RSV, and why it matters to older adults
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an RNA virus of the genus Orthopneumovirus, family Pneumoviridae, primarily spread via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission can also occur when a person touches their face after having direct contact with a contaminated surface.1
WHEN IS RSV MOST PREVALENT?
In the United States, RSV infections occur primarily during the fall and winter cold and flu season.1
A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT RSV
Many think of RSV infection as a disease for infants and children. RSV causes approximately 100-500 deaths each year in children less than 5 years old; it also causes an estimated 14,000 deaths annually in adults aged 65 years and older.2,3
Learn more about RSV at a live webinar.
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References:
1. Increased interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in parts of the southern United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 29, 2022. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00443.asp 2. Falsey AR, Hennessey PA, Formica MA, Cox C, Walsh E. Respiratory syncytial virus infection in elderly and high-risk adults. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(17):1749-1759. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa043951 3. Thompson WW, Shay DK, Weintraub E, et al. Mortality associated with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in the United States. JAMA. 2003;289(2):179-186. doi:10.1001/jama.289.2.179
