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Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a very common and highly contagious respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. While usually mild in healthy adults, it can cause severe lung infections in infants, young children, and older adults.
read more about respiratory syncytial virus ...The symptoms in infants are severe and often indicate respiratory distress. These include wheezing, rapid, shallow breathing, flaring of the nostrils, and persistent coughing. The virus targets the small airways (bronchioles), causing inflammation and mucus buildup, which severely restricts airflow and can lead to pneumonia in high-risk groups.
The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It spreads easily in environments like schools and daycares and can live on surfaces for several hours. The high contagiousness of the virus means preventative measures for infants and older adults are necessary to avoid exposure.
The high-risk groups are infants (especially those born prematurely) and older adults with underlying heart or lung conditions. For these groups, the virus can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus can directly impact eye health by causing infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye). The virus spreads from the nasal passages to the eye via the tear ducts, causing eye redness, watering, and discharge, requiring careful hygiene.
Necessary prevention strategies are vital. These include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and sometimes a monthly injection of antibodies during peak season for high-risk infants.
Vaccines are available for pregnant individuals (to protect the infant) and older adults (60+).
Yes, immunity after infection is not permanent, and a person can be infected with the virus multiple times throughout their life.
The virus is usually a mild cold in healthy adults, but it can cause severe illness in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Seek help if you notice wheezing or a high fever. RSV is a common trigger for viral conjunctivitis in children. If your child's eyes are red and matted with discharge during an RSV infection, avoid shared towels and consult a pediatrician to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
CDC. RSV in Infants and Children (cdc.gov). 2024.
WHO. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (who.int). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. RSV Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2025.
American Academy of Pediatrics. RSV Prevention (healthychildren.org). 2025.