RSV season runs into spring 

An unusually late RSV season runs into spring 

A later-than-expected season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has states extending eligibility for preventive measures in children. Experts are urging parents to keep in mind the measures that can be taken to stop an infection. 

“This unusual timing means higher levels of RSV activity may continue into April in many regions. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for RSV are highest among infants and children less than 4 years old,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a recent update. 

For most people, RSV cases will cause mild flu-like illness, but for young children and older adults, the disease can cause severe illness, leading to hospitalization that could involve being placed on a ventilator.  

“Unlike some other viruses, you’re actually pretty contagious throughout your entire time with RSV. And so, if your kid is coughing and they’ve had RSV and they go to daycare, all of those kids are exposed. And so it is definitely one of those illnesses we worry about,” said Sarah Nosal, a physician and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.  

There currently are no treatments specifically indicated for RSV, though several preventive treatments have been approved in recent years.  

RSV vaccines are available to older adults and pregnant women, with administration to expectant mothers believed to confer some protection to their children before they are born. An RSV monoclonal antibody is also available for infants and young children. 

“RSV continues to be the leading cause of hospitalization in young infants,........

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