What Increases Your Risk
infects almost all children by the age of 2, and reinfection
throughout life is common. The first RSV infection is
usually the most severe. The virus spreads easily and is extremely difficult to
completely avoid. Babies and young children who are in day care centers or
frequently in public places are most likely to become infected, especially
during the peak season. Older brothers and sisters in school often become
infected with the virus and spread it to other household members, including
babies and preschoolers. Sharing food, touching objects that are contaminated
with the virus, and not washing hands can lead to RSV infection. Older adults
living in nursing homes or other group environments also have a higher risk of
becoming infected with RSV.
Babies ages 2 to 7 months
of age have the highest incidence of RSV infection affecting the lower
. Reinfection with another type or
strain of RSV can occur within weeks. But later infections are usually less
severe.
With RSV infections, there is
an increased risk of having
, especially in certain
babies and young children and
adults older than 65.
You can get RSV throughout your
life because there are two different types and many subtypes (strains) of the
virus, meaning you can never have complete
.