Vulnerability to Severe RSV Illness
There are about 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations in children aged less than 5 years old annually in the United States (CDC, 2023.)
The greatest risks for RSV include:
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Premature infants
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Infants less than 6 months of age
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Children less than 2 years old with chronic lung disease, or congenital heart disease from birth
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Children with weakened immune systems
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Children with neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions (CDC, 2023.)
SEVERE RSV ILLNESS
1-2 out of every 100 infants under 6 months of age with RSV may need to be hospitalized. Those hospitalized may require respiratory support in the forms of supplemental oxygen, high-flow oxygen, and mechanical ventilation. Most children improve over time with this supportive care (CDC, 2023.)
