Respiratory Syncytial Virus Definition & Overview

Definition

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of many types of infections of the respiratory system (lungs and breathing passages), including:

Although these infections can happen at any age, they occur most commonly and are usually most severe in infants, young children, and the elderly. In severe cases, RSV infections can cause death.

Respiratory System Anatomy of an Infant

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