The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently highlighted the importance of learning about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is common during the fall, winter and spring. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms which can be serious for infants and older adults. It is spread through coughing, sneezing and by touching infected surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Those most at risk of the virus include:
- Premature babies
- Children under two years old with chronic lung disease or certain heart problems
- Adults 65 years and older
- People with weakened immune systems
The CDC has a list of things you can do to help prevent the spread of RSV that include two important tips:
- Washing your hands often
- Keeping your hands away from your face.
For a full list of RSV symptoms and things you can do to reduce your risks of getting the virus, click here.
For more information on RSV from the CDC, click here.
For a general overview of the virus from the Mayo Clinic, click here.
