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.

Credits

Author	Amy Fackler, MA
Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	August 9, 2006

Last updated:	August 09, 2006
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, W. David Colby, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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