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Human respiratory syncytial virus overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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

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