This time of year brings more respiratory viruses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus causes mild cold-like symptoms for most people, but it can be very serious for adults 65+ or those with certain chronic medical conditions. To protect yourself & others:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and mobile devices.
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.