rsv stands for respiratory syncitial virus a common cause of respiratory tract infections. rsv causes lower respiratory tract infections (chest colds or pneumonia) in children older adults and people with impaired immune systems. symptoms include cough wheezing and difficulty breathing. in adults with normal immune systems rsv causes upper respiratory tract infections (the common cold). runny nose sneezing fatigue fever and cough can be symptoms. rsv often goes undiagnosed in adults. in children with severe illness rsv may be diagnosed with a swab of the nasal drainage. to avoid spreading rsv people with cold-like symptoms should cover their sneezes and coughs and clean their hands frequently.
what is rsv?