What is RSV?
RSV is a virus that causes an infection in the lungs and breathing passages and can be dangerous for infants and young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most children are infected by RSV by age 2.
Most times, an RSV infection will be mild and cold-like, but in severe cases, babies can develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia. The CDC estimates 58,000 to 80,000 children under 5 years of age, most of them infants, are hospitalized each year nationwide due to RSV infection. And sadly, each year, an estimated 100-300 children younger than 5 years of age die due to RSV.
Learn more about how RSV spread, symptoms and prevention tips on the Children’s Minnesota website.