2024: A Look Back at an “Unusual” Year
December 17, 2024
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is an RNA virus that commonly causes mild cold-like symptoms after entering the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It spreads easily through the air via droplets from an infected person. Typical transmission is 3-8 days, but is possible up to 4 weeks. More infections occur in cold months, but they can occur year round. RSV persists on hard surfaces contaminated with the
droplets, so touching a surface then one’s eyes, nose, or mouth can cause infection. Vaccine development research is underway, primarily for young infants.
•~2.1M outpatient visits; 235,000 hospital-
izations; 14,000 deaths annually in U.S.
• 1-2 weeks generally needed for recovery.
• Serious complications can occur in infants
and elderly, e.g., pneumonia, inflammation
of the lungs’ small airways, dehydration.
May require hospitalization.
• Repeat RSV infections are common.
• CURRENT INCREASE is speculated as due to
the relaxation of COVID protections and lack
of previous exposure. In October 2022, the
US CDC surveillance revealed that some U.S.
regions were nearing peak case levels.
1. Ask ill persons to stay home and keep isolated from others as much as possible.
2. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces that may be contaminated with respiratory droplets from an
infected person.
3. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and
water are not readily available.
4. Practice respiratory hygiene – covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
5. Care for cold-like symptoms as directed by medical professionals.
6. Seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve within a week or two or become more serious.