respiratory syncytial virus
noun
plural respiratory syncytial viruses
1
: a pneumovirus (species Human orthopneumovirus of the genus Orthopneumovirus) that usually causes mild infections of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, that is spread through contact with respiratory droplets, and that is characterized especially by fever, cough, congestion, and runny nose but may progress to bronchiolitis and pneumonia especially in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals
Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus often spread and peak during winter, when people travel for the holidays and spend more time indoors and breathing the same air.—Jessica Rendall
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people. … Infections typically go away on their own in a week or two.—Ema Sasic
Note: Respiratory syncytial virus was initially identified in 1956 and was formerly classified as a paramyxovirus.
called also RSV
2
: the illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus
Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus are comparable to those of a common cold and COVID-19. Symptoms include runny nose, fever, coughing, sneezing, decreased appetite and wheezing.—Tyler Brown
An unseasonably early spike in respiratory syncytial virus cases among young children is pushing some hospitals to capacity.—Vanessa Romo
called also RSV
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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