Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and RSV Vaccine Quick Facts

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus with symptoms similar to a mild cold, such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, decreased appetite, fever, and malaise.¹ The virus is contagious and is transmitted through coughing and sneezing, and by coming into direct contact with the virus.²


• Young infants, children, older adults, and individuals with immune disorders and underlying chronic health diseases are more at risk of developing RSV infection and suffering from complications of the illness.³ By two years of age, most infants and children will have had RSV,⁴ however, it is possible to have more than one infection during an individual’s lifetime.⁵


• Most individuals who develop an RSV infection will recover fully within one to two weeks without treatment. There are no specific treatments for RSV infection but symptoms can be treated with over the counter pain and fever medication, rest, and adequate hydration.⁶ Individuals, especially young infants with small airways, may develop complications such as inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis) or lung infection (pneumonia). Hospitalization may be required for individuals who have breathing problems, or who become dehydrated. Most people who require hospitalization will be discharged within a few days.⁷


• Infants born prematurely, babies younger than six months of age, and young children with congenital heart and lung disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and those who are immunocompromised are at high risk of developing RSV infection and suffering complications.⁸ It is estimated that between four and five million children become infected with RSV in the U.S. each year, with an estimated 58,000 to 80,000 resulting in hospitalization.⁹


• Adults with chronic health diseases, older adults, and those with immune disorders are also at risk of developing RSV illness and suffering complications from infection.¹⁰ The CDC estimates that between 60,000 and 120,000 older adults develop RSV infection that require hospitalization, with 6,000 to 10,000 of those contributing to death.¹¹

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Vaccine Reaction Symptoms & Ingredients

NVIC’s Ask 8, If You Vaccinate webpage contains vaccine reaction symptoms.

Search for Vaccine Reactions

NVIC hosts MedAlerts, a powerful VAERS database search engine. MedAlerts examines symptoms, reactions, vaccines, dates, places, and more.

Reporting a Vaccine Reaction

Since 1982, the NVIC has operated a Vaccine Reaction Registry, which has served as a watchdog on VAERS. Reporting vaccine reactions to VAERS is required by federal law under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. If your doctor will not report a reaction, you have the right to report a suspected vaccine reaction to VAERS.

IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine by reading all sections in the Table of Contents, which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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