This site is intended only for healthcare professionals residing in Malaysia
Menu
Close
Menu
Close
Virtually every child will get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old2
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious virus that may affect and compromise the lungs and breathing passages of infants, children, and adults. RSV is a significant cause of respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe that can lead to hospitalization.1
In 2019, it was estimated that there were 3.6 million global hospital admissions for
RSV-associated ALRI in children 5 years and younger.5
Approximately 1 in 28 deaths of infants aged 28 days to 6 months can be attributed to RSV5*
A recent systematic review of 481 studies across 58 countries estimated that, in 2019, children 5 years and younger with an RSV infection accounted for5:
RSV is easily transmittable to infants and children.1,6,7
RSV can spread to infants and children when1:
RSV can survive on contaminated surfaces for prolonged periods, including skin (30 minutes), fabric (2 hours), gloves (5 hours), and furniture (7 hours).1
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.7
RSV symptoms vary and may be similar to symptoms from other respiratory infections. RSV symptoms may range from mild and moderate to severe.1,4,8
At the onset, RSV may not be severe for infants and young children. However, it can become more severe in just a few days, with early symptoms that may include1,4:
RSV in infants under 6 months
Infants this young with RSV almost always show one or more of the following symptoms with or without fever4,7,8:
Those infected with RSV may recover in a week or two.7 However, some infants and young children may suffer more severe RSV symptoms that lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and maybe even hospitalization.1,2
RSV can be especially serious or deadly in infants and children because it is associated with bronchiolitis that can lead to5,8,9:
Despite the burden of disease due to RSV, current treatment of RSV illness is supportive
care.10
There are simple steps that your patients can take to reduce the transmission of RSV at home, at school, or in the workplace1:
Data from a systematic analysis of 481 studies between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020 of children 60 months and younger with RSV as primary infection with ALRI. The study provides age-stratified estimates of RSV ALRI incidence, hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality both globally and regionally.5
RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus
TDAP: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
ALRI: Acute lower respiratory infections
Learn more about RSV in older adults.
To access further materials, resources and receive communication about medicines and vaccines promoted by Pfizer.
This site is intended only for healthcare professionals residing in Malaysia. If you are a member of public wishing to access information on a specific medicine, please consult with your doctor.
This website is brought to you by
Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd 197801003134
(40131-T)
Level 10 & 11, Wisma Averis (Tower 2),
Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi,
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-2281 6000
Fax: 603-2281 6388
Copyright © 2024 Pfizer Limited. All rights reserved.