RSV in Children and Adults: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention in 2025
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the respiratory tract, especially in infants, young children, and older adults. As of 2025, RSV continues to be a major cause of hospitalizations among infants and remains a serious concern during the winter months.
🔬 What is RSV?
RSV is a contagious virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Most people recover within a week or two, but it can lead to severe respiratory illness in babies under 1 year old, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
🧒 RSV in Infants and Children
Children under 2 years old are the most vulnerable. RSV is the leading cause of:
Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs)
Pneumonia in infants under 12 months
Common Symptoms in Children:
- Runny nose
- Decreased appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- In severe cases, infants may show signs of difficulty breathing, lethargy, or bluish skin due to lack of oxygen.
👵 RSV in Adults and Seniors
Although usually mild in healthy adults, RSV can cause serious complications in older adults, especially those with heart or lung disease.
Symptoms in Adults:
- Congestion
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Low-grade fever
- In high-risk adults, RSV may lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, or worsening of chronic conditions.
🦠 How RSV Spreads
RSV spreads through:
- Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- Direct contact with contaminated surfaces
- Touching the face after touching infected objects
- The virus can survive for hours on hard surfaces like tables and doorknobs.
🛡️ RSV Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Keep infants away from crowded places during RSV season
- Avoid smoking around children
In 2023 and beyond, RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments have become available for certain high-risk groups.
📌 New in 2025:
- Maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy has shown to protect newborns.
- Long-acting monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Nirsevimab) now available for healthy infants.
🏥 When to Seek Medical Attention
Call a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, few wet diapers)
- High fever or lethargy
- Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
📚 References
1. CDC. “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).” https://www.cdc.gov/rsv
2. WHO. “RSV Infections.” https://www.who.int
3. American Academy of Pediatrics (2025 Guidelines)
4. GSK and Sanofi press releases on RSV vaccine approvals (2023-2025)