Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the genus pneumovirus of Paramyxoviridae, and has only one serotype. It mainly causes lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under 6 months old, and upper respiratory tract infections such as rhinitis and cold in older children and adults.Respiratory syncytial virus infection is easily transmitted among infants and children, usually in winter and early spring.

Almost all children will be infected with the virus before the age of 4. Respiratory syncytial virus causes runny nose, fever, cough, and wheeze. Most children have no problems, but severe infections can lead to dyspnea and low oxygen levels. Some people may have multiple infections with RSV, but usually have mild symptoms after the first infection.