RSV diseases are most common in young children. RSV causes approximately 90,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths each year in both infants and young children.
Infection is introduced by contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose.
It may also be spread by droplets from a cough or sneeze. RSV infections occur throughout the year, but there are typically widespread outbreaks during the winter months, peaking in January and February. RSV is the most common lower respiratory tract pathogen of infants and small children. In most cases, RSV results in a cold-like, mild respiratory infection with nasal stuffiness and discharge, cough, wheeze and sometimes ear infection. In older children and adults RSV causes upper respiratory infection involving the nose, throat or sinuses.