RSV

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˌär-ˌes-ˈvē 

plural RSVs

: respiratory syncytial virus

Like many viruses, RSV is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.

—Nancy Snyderman

RSV, a common respiratory illness that can cause severe breathing problems for babies, has been spreading around the region and the country, and doctors are cautioning about the risks to young children.

—Josette Keelor

RSVs typically emerge in late fall and remain until early spring. However, signs of RSV outbreak began in the middle of April before exponentially increasing by early May.

—Winston Henvey

RSV

2 of 2

abbreviation

Revised Standard Version

Examples of RSV in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

One of the best ways to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated against one of the many vaccine-preventable infections that can lead to pneumonia, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, pertussis or whooping cough and COVID-19, among others. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

The restrictions began in mid-January after an increase of people catching viruses such as the flu, COVID and RSV, a contagious respiratory infection. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2025

As Megan explained in the video shared last autumn, the family of four all caught RSV in 2022. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Individuals suffering from what's called acute or viral bronchitis get the illness from viruses such as RSV, coronavirus, the common cold (rhinovirus) and influenza. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

RSV

1 of 2 abbreviation or noun

ˌär-ˌes-ˈvē 

: respiratory syncytial virus

Long considered primarily a pathogen of young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in adults.

—Harvey B. Simon, Science & Medicine

However, upper respiratory tract infections caused by RSV tend to last longer than those caused by other common respiratory agents …

—Caroline Breese, The New England Journal of Medicine

RSV

2 of 2 abbreviation

Rous sarcoma virus