Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection(RSV) is known for affecting babies with a median age for RSV in the Uintah Basin of 1 year old, according to the TriCounty Health Department. RSV, however, can also affect moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas. Those that are 65 and older are especially at risk for this severe illness. In fact, 18% of RSV hospitalizations in the Basin have been individuals 65 years old or older. Those at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include premature infants and infants, especially those 6 months and younger; children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease; children with weakened immune systems; children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions, older adults, especially those 65 years and older; adults with chronic heart or lung disease; and adults with weakened immune systems.
