RSV, or Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, is a common respiratory virus, a virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
Most people who get an RSV infection will have mild illness and will recover in a week or two. However, some groups are more likely to get serious complications if they get sick with RSV. These include:
- Premature infants
- Very young infants (6 months and younger)
- Young children with congenital (from birth) heart or chronic lung disease
- Young children with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or medical treatment
- Adults with compromised immune systems
- Older adults (65 years and older)
RSV is currently circulating in the Fairfax Health District. Data from emergency departments and urgent care centers in the community have shown a rapid increase in the number of people who have been diagnosed with RSV since early September.
Help protect yourself and your loved ones from RSV by staying home when you are sick and practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.