Infection is manifested as cough and fever and, in some cases, pneumonia.
While RSV infection can occur at any time of year, epidemics generally occur in the winter. Most cases are in children under age four, with the peak of severe illness under six months of age, particularly in infants with pre-existing heart and lung disease. The only currently available RSV treatment is passive administration of antibodies. Available drug therapies have a potential risk of serious side effects, thus they are reserved for the most serious cases.