What is RSV and how serious is it?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes acute bronchiolitis, a lung infection affecting the smallest airways. Most children experience cold-like symptoms, but 1-2% require hospitalization for breathing support and hydration. RSV causes 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations annually in U.S. children under 5, with highest risk in infants under 6 months.

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when infected people cough or sneeze, and by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the face. The virus can survive on hard surfaces for hours. It's highly contagious—outbreaks are common in daycare centers. People are typically contagious for 3-8 days, but infants and immunocompromised can spread it for 4 weeks.

What are warning signs that my baby needs medical care?

Seek immediate medical attention for: fast or difficult breathing, flaring nostrils, grunting with breathing, chest sinking in with each breath, bluish color around lips or fingernails, pauses in breathing (apnea), severe coughing or wheezing, refusal to breastfeed or drink, signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers), or extreme irritability/lethargy.

Is there a vaccine or prevention for RSV?

Yes! New preventions available: 1) Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) given during pregnancy protects newborns. 2) Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) - monoclonal antibody injection for infants during first RSV season. 3) Palivizumab (Synagis) for high-risk infants. These have dramatically reduced hospitalizations since their 2023 introduction.

There's no specific antiviral treatment for RSV. Most cases are managed at home with supportive care: keep baby hydrated, use a cool-mist humidifier, suction nasal mucus, acetaminophen for fever (if over 3 months), and monitor breathing. Hospitalized infants may receive oxygen therapy, IV fluids, or breathing support. Antibiotics don't work because RSV is a virus.

When is RSV season and where is it active?

RSV season typically runs October through March in most U.S. regions, peaking in December-February. Southern states may see earlier starts. The virus can circulate year-round in some areas. Check the live outbreak data above for current RSV activity levels and geographic spread.

Acute Bronchiolitis (RSV)

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Acute bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants, most often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It causes inflammation and congestion in the small airways of the lungs.

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Casos Recientes (30 días)

Brotes Activos

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¿Qué es Acute Bronchiolitis (RSV)?

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants under one year old in the United States. Nearly all children get RSV by age 2, but it's most dangerous for premature babies, infants under 6 months, children with heart or lung conditions, and immunocompromised children. New preventive treatments are now available.

Síntomas

Runny nose and congestion
Cough (may be severe)
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound when breathing)
Fever (may be low-grade)
Decreased appetite and difficulty feeding
Irritability and restlessness
Apnea (pauses in breathing) in very young infants

Transmisión

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing and by touching contaminated surfaces (toys, doorknobs, counters). The virus can live on hard surfaces for many hours. Close contact in daycare, schools, and households facilitates spread.

Período de Contagio: Typically 3-8 days; infants and immunocompromised people can be contagious for up to 4 weeks

Prevención

Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during pregnancy (weeks 32-36)
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) monoclonal antibody for infants
Palivizumab (Synagis) monthly injections for high-risk infants
Frequent handwashing with soap and water
Avoid touching face after touching contaminated surfaces
Keep babies away from sick people
Clean and disinfect toys and surfaces regularly
Avoid crowded places during RSV season with young infants
Don't smoke around children (increases RSV risk and severity)

Live Acute Bronchiolitis (RSV) Global Case Map

1 country with reported activity. Updated from real-time surveillance data.

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Recursos Expertos y Referencias

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CDC

Orientación oficial de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de EE. UU.

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WHO

Vigilancia global de enfermedades y directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud

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Últimas investigaciones revisadas por pares y estudios clínicos

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Contenido Revisado Médicamente

La información sobre enfermedades en Virus Watcher es revisada por nuestro Epidemiólogo Jefe, ex analista principal del CDC para el pronóstico FluSight. Los datos de brotes se agregan de fuentes verificadas incluyendo BEACON, ProMED, OMS, CDC y más de 50 agencias nacionales de salud. Esta información es con fines educativos y no debe reemplazar el asesoramiento médico profesional.

Última revisión: 2026-06-29

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