Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Analgesia team
RSV Medical Abbreviation
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs, nose, and throat:
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SymptomsSymptoms include a cough, cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness, and fever.
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SeasonRSV spreads in the fall and winter, usually peaking in December and January.
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Risk groupsRSV can be especially dangerous for infants and the elderly. It’s the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S.
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TreatmentOver-the-counter pain relievers can help with fever and pain, but you should not give aspirin to children or cough medicine to children under four. It’s also important to get enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
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PreventionThere are vaccines to protect against RSV. One vaccine is for people ages 60 and older, and another is for pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, but it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. In some people, RSV can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, or a fever