Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) is committed to obtaining and sharing accurate information about RSV treatments and vaccines with our community. We have produced resources meant to be used and shared by our American Indian and Alaska Native Relatives and healthcare facilities serving Indian Country.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV?
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SUSH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus. Most people usually get mild, cold-like symptoms and feel better in one to two weeks. Common symptoms include the following:
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite
RSV can cause more severe illness in some people including premature infants, babies younger than 12 months, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Severe RSV disease is an illness that causes more serious lung and lower airway infections like pneumonia. Vaccination and treatment can help prevent these complications.
