RSV Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for severe RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections that, in some cases, need to be treated by hospitalization. The following risk factors increase a person's chance of developing RSV:
 
  • Premature birth (35 weeks or earlier)
  • Low birth weight
  • History of asthma
  • Attending childcare or daycare
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Certain lung diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • Drugs or conditions that suppress the immune system
  • Household crowding (four or more children in the home)
  • Exposure to tobacco smoke
  • Being elderly.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD