Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Older, smiling man holding baby

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. If you are age 60 or older, a vaccine is available to protect you from severe RSV. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you. If you are pregnant, you can get an RSV vaccine between 32–36 weeks of pregnancy to protect your infant after birth, or a preventive antibody can be given to your baby after birth.

Symptoms & Care
Man sitting down and blows his nose into a tissue

Know the symptoms to look for and how to care for people with RSV.

Preventing RSV
Infant standing up in crib teething on crib rail

Preventive options help protect certain groups at high risk of severe RSV.

Transmission
Woman coughing, standing in a city street

Help protect yourself and your loved ones from RSV infection.