Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common illness that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in 1-2 weeks, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Symptoms may begin with runny nose, loss of appetite and a cough, which can lead to wheezing and/or labored breathing.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
58,000-80,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized annually due to RSV infection. Those at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include:
- Premature infants
- Infants, especially those 6 months and younger
- Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
- Children with weakened immune systems
- Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions
Warning for family and caretakers
RSV can also make chronic health problems worse in both children and adults. Asthmatics may experience attacks as a result of RSV infection. Those with congestive heart failure may experience more severe symptoms due to RSV.
How to prevent RSV in your facility
Read the materials in the toolkit below. If you need further assistance, please call 216.201.2080 to speak with a disease investigator.
RSV TOOLKIT
Line List to report illness/outbreaks