Key Facts
- Severe RSV can be unpredictable and is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants.
- Infants, young children and older adults are at higher risk for developing severe RSV.
- People do not form long-lasting immunity to RSV and can become infected repeatedly over their lifetime.
Each year in the United States, RSV leads to:
What Causes RSV?
RSV is spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected from coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through direct contact, for example, if an infected person kisses a baby on the face. Or, touching objects such as toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them and then touching your face or eating. RSV can survive for hours on hard surfaces like tables or doorknobs.
People who have RSV are contagious for three to eight days and may be contagious a day or two before they even have symptoms. RSV season typically starts during the fall and peaks in the winter, but like all respiratory viruses, the season can change.
Who Is at Risk for RSV?
Most children will get an RSV before age two simply because of contact with other children. Being in crowded places with people who may be infected or having exposure to other children or siblings who may be infected are common ways to pick up the virus.
Those at increased risk of RSV becoming severe or life-threatening are:
- Infants up to one year old, especially those who are 6 months and younger
- Infants born prematurely
- Children younger than two with congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease
- Children with weakened immune systems or who have neuromuscular disorders
- Adults ages 75 and older
- Adults with chronic lung or heart disease, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Adults with weakened immune systems, such as people receiving organ transplants, people undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with HIV/AIDS
- Adults with severe diabetes or severe obesity
- Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
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Understanding RSV
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Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: July 9, 2024