About RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly infectious respiratory illness, with babies, young children and the elderly most at risk.

Causing both upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and lower respiratory tract infections (such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia), RSV can become life-threatening in the most severe cases. Whilst immunity to the virus grows with each infection, natural full immunity is not possible. 

RSV Facts and Figures

  • RSV is associated with substantial disease burden in infants, young children, and the elderly.
  • Globally, an estimated 33 million young children are diagnosed with RSV disease each year, with over 3 million cases requiring hospitalisation.
  • RSV disease accounts for hospitalisation of 1 in 5 young children under 5 years of age diagnosed with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI).
  • Annually, RSV causes an estimated 118,000 child deaths worldwide.
  • Every year about 3-6% of all older adults are infected with RSV.
  • RSV poses substantial burden on healthcare services including hospitalisations and outpatient consultations and in industrialised countries about 8% of hospitalised cases are likely to die.
  • Of all acute respiratory track infection patients, RSV accounted for 1-10% in adults and 2-14% in patients with chronic diseases or transplantation.
  • Childhood RSV costs governments around the world nearly 5 billion euros every year.

RSV Awareness

Every first week in November, coinciding with the start of the RSV season, in collaboration with the RSV Patient Network, we launch an awareness campaign.

Even though RSV is associated with substantial disease burden in infants, young children, and the elderly, it’s still an unknown disease, with a high lack of awareness on its risks and complications among parents, the general public and healthcare professionals.

In addition to November’s campaign, PROMISE is committed to raise awareness all year round and contribute to educate the general public and health care professionals on RSV and the importance of early diagnosis and prevention.

Patients and their families, whose lives have been affected by RSV, offer below their valuable testimonial and advice to identify, prevent and deal with this sometimes life-threatening disease.

During RSV Awareness Week 2022, Rachael shared her experience with RSV and the devastating impact it had on her family.

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