Risk of complications from RSV infection in children

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Babies younger than 1 year of age and other young children who become infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have a high risk of developing complications, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Babies who have a high risk of developing complications from RSV include those who:

Babies or children who have certain conditions are at a higher risk of developing complications from RSV. These conditions include:

Congenital heart disease.
Chronic lung disease, also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and cystic fibrosis.
An impaired immune system, which can involve various health factors. For example, having a severe chronic illness, such as cancer, can affect the immune system. In addition, certain medicines, such as chemotherapy or steroids, suppress the immune system.
Exposure to tobacco smoke.

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	July 16, 2008

Last updated:	July 16, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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