Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Human respiratory syncytial virus overview
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, which includes common respiratory viruses such as those causing measles and mumps. RSV is a member of the paramyxovirus subfamily Pneumovirinae.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
For most people, RSV produces only mild symptoms, often indistinguishable from common colds and minor illnesses.
Treatment
Treatment
Primary Prevention
As the virus is ubiquitous in all parts of the world, avoidance of infection is not possible.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]