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What is respiratory syncytial virus infection?
Respiratory syncytial virus infection, usually called RSV, is a lot like a bad cold. It causes the same symptoms. And like a cold, it is very common and very contagious. Most children have had it at least once by age 2.
RSV is usually not something to worry about. But it can lead to pneumonia or other problems in some people, especially babies. So it's important to watch the symptoms and call your doctor if they get worse.
What causes RSV infection?
A virus causes RSV infection. Like a cold virus, RSV attacks your nose, eyes, throat, and lungs. It spreads like a cold too, when you cough, sneeze, or share food or drinks.
There are many kinds of RSV, so your body never becomes immune to it. You can get it again and again throughout your life, sometimes during the same season.
Incidence of RSV among Children
Approximately 58,000-80,000 children under the age of 5 and up to 3% of children in their first year of life are hospitalized due to RSV infection each year in the United States. 20-30% of children infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. At St. Luke's Children's Hospital, RSV infections are the most common reason for admission to our pediatric units during the winter months.
Learn more at full Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection Health Topic page
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CDC RecommendationsThis year the CDC recommended three treatments to protect against severe RSV:
- RSV vaccine for adults over 60.
- RSV antibody given to babies entering or born during the RSV season.
- RSV vaccine for unborn babies, given during pregnancy. (Given to those who are 32–36 weeks pregnant during September–January.)
For others who are less likely to get a severe RSV illness, everyday preventive actions, like covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands, can reduce the likelihood of spreading RSV.
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RSV Vaccine Administration - last updated 1/31/25Abrysvo (available now)send a message through MyChart. Scheduling is not available in MyChart.
St. Luke’s began administering the Abrysvo vaccine for RSV, on Nov. 1, 2023, to people ages 60-64 and to mothers who are 32–36 weeks pregnant during RSV season. Please talk to your provider about receiving the vaccine or
If you are 65 or older, please schedule at a non-St. Luke’s retail pharmacy as Abrysvo is covered under Medicare Part D.
Beyfortus (available to any qualifying inpatient newborn upon discharge)
St. Luke’s will begin administration of Beyfortus antibody treatment on Feb. 6 to any qualifying inpatient newborn upon discharge, to help protect them from serious respiratory syncytial virus-related lung infections.
The expanded access will allow newborns to receive Beyfortus at discharge, provided their birth mother has not received an Abrysvo RSV vaccination during this pregnancy or if the vaccination was administered, delivery of the infant did not occur within 14 days of vaccination.
This offering extends St. Luke's previous service of only administering Beyfortus to established patients up to 19 months old at Pediatric and Family Medicine clinics and graduating NICU patients.
St. Luke’s is following the CDC guidelines for administering Beyfortus. As a reminder: Outpatient pediatric patients up to 19 months of age who have had an RSV infection this season should not seek or receive Beyfortus.Insurance Coverage
Your insurance may or may not cover charges for immunizations, including Abrysvo and Beyfortus. Please check with your insurance provider to find out what’s covered.
St. Luke's is happy to bill your insurance for services provided at our clinic, but this does not guarantee payment. You may be financially responsible for the immunization if it is not a covered benefit.
