Children and older adults
RSV typically does not cause severe illness in healthy adults and children. However, certain groups, such as older adults and infants under 6 months old, can become seriously ill and may require hospitalization.
RSV can lead to more severe conditions like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (lung infection). It is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under 1 year old.
In the most severe cases, treatment may include:
- Additional oxygen,
- IV fluids for hydration if the person can't drink enough,
- Intubation (inserting a breathing tube through the mouth to the airway) and mechanical ventilation (a machine to assist with breathing).
Pregnant People
The CDC recommends a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women to help protect their babies from severe RSV illness. Pregnant women should receive a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy. These vaccines are typically given from September through January in most parts of the United States.
The protection provided by the maternal vaccine, which is passed from mother to baby, decreases over time. Since the vaccine is administered from September to January, the protection will help the baby through their first RSV season.
Pregnant women and their healthcare providers should discuss both the maternal RSV vaccine and infant immunization with nirsevimab, considering patient preferences when choosing the best option for their family.