RSV is surging among kids—here's what you need to know

The respiratory virus is a leading cause of childhood death worldwide. Experts weigh in on why cases are so high—and when new treatments and vaccines could be available.

Bronchiolitis and RSV: What you need to know

RSV has a high attack rate — the term scientists use for the chances that a susceptible person will get the infection if exposed to it. That, plus our generally poor defenses against it, explain the frequent epidemics. Every year a new crop of susceptible infants enters the population.

RSV is surging. Here's what to watch for and answers about treatment options

There is no RSV vaccine yet, although there are many in development. There is, however, a treatment called palivizumab that is available to high-risk infants. It is an injection that can be given to premies and other babies born with certain lung or heart conditions who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. It is administered once a month throughout the RSV season.

The Worst Pediatric-Care Crisis in Decades

An early, massive wave of RSV, flu, and other viral infections is slamming kids and overcrowding emergency departments.

It’s time once again for bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Can we do anything to treat this illness, make the symptoms better, make it go away faster? Sadly, the answer is no. I’ve been taking care of children with RSV for 30 years, and I’ve seen a long list of things tried — breathing treatments, anti-viral medicines, steroids, medicines intended to open up the small airways. None of them work very well, if at all.

Signs and Symptoms of RSV Disease for Parents

RSV is serious, and it’s critical we’re educated! Awareness is key when it comes to preventing RSV! Knowledge is power, and the more we know about the disease, the better we can protect our children. RSV should be talked about all year, not just during RSV season when it’s too late for some parents.

Finally, an effective treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

We have never had any specific treatment that works for RSV bronchiolitis. All we can do is what we call supportive care — oxygen, some breathing treatments (which usually don’t help much), IV fluids if the child is too sick to eat, and a few things we can do to help with mucus clearance. But now that may be changing. A recent study looked at a new drug to kill the RSV virus directly, something we’ve never had before.

Is it flu or RSV? It can be tough to tell

You can’t tell the difference between the flu and RSV just by looking at someone. Adults and older children can get RSV, too, but in healthy individuals signs of infection are often mild. Both viruses cause similar symptoms such as congestion, cough, and runny noses. In RSV, though, not all symptoms appear at once, and very young infants may experience issues with breathing and irritability.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Adults

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is now recognized as a significant problem in certain adult populations. These include the elderly, persons with cardiopulmonary diseases, and immunocompromised hosts. Epidemiological evidence indicates that the impact of RSV in older adults may be similar to that of nonpandemic influenza.

RSV Bronchiolitis: Tale of an Overzealous Helper?

Respiratory syncitial virus (RSV)-associated bronchiolitis is the leading cause of childhood hospitalization worldwide. However, the development of specific therapies is limited by poor understanding of disease pathogenesis.

RSV Is Surging: What We Know about This Common and Surprisingly Dangerous Virus

Your questions answered about what RSV is, how it spreads, what vaccines are on the way and who is most at risk.

The FDA approved a new preventive shot for RSV, the leading cause of US infant hospitalization

The new treatment — another monoclonal antibody called Beyfortus developed by Sanofi and AstraZeneca — offers a number of upgrades. It’s approved for all infants up to 24 months, not just those at high risk. Its efficacy in reducing not just hospitalizations but all doctors’ visits is up to 70 percent as compared to placebo. And immunity lasts five months, enough to cover the full RSV fall season.

What Is RSV, And How Can You Prevent It This Winter?

The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing and contact with the hands of a person with a cold or contaminated objects.

Why everybody you know is sick right now

What’s behind the early surge in RSV and flu — and what’s to come.

Yes, adults can get RSV and it can be severe

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that is a common cause of lower respiratory illness and is most recognized for causing annual epidemics that lead to an increase in hospitalizations of children in their first or second year of life. However, it’s a common misconception that RSV is a mild respiratory illness in adults when, in fact, it can lead to symptoms as serious as those of influenza.