Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages.
RSV can be serious and can make both children and adults very sick. Certain groups are at increased risk for severe disease, including premature and young infants (≤6 months), people with chronic heart disease or lung disease, people with weakened immune systems, and adults age 60 years and older. However, the potential for dangerous complications is a concern for all age groups.
Use (or adapt) the following sample posts, and pair them with NFID graphics or create your own. Be sure to use #RSVAwareness or #PreventRSV in your posts and tag NFID channels at: https://linktr.ee/nfid.
General
- #Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies both prevent serious disease but work differently in protecting against diseases including #RSV and #COVID-19. Learn more: nfid.org/resource/monoclonal-antibodies-fact-sheet/ #PreventRSV
- #RSV can impact people of all ages, but there are new tools for RSV. Follow #NFID to stay up to date and learn how you can protect yourself and your family. Learn more at: www.nfid.org/rsv #RSVAwareness
Higher Risk Populations
- #DYK: #RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants and a major cause of hospitalization and death among older adults? Learn more: www.nfid.org/rsv #RSVAwareness
- What do infants, young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions all have in common? They are at risk for serious complications from #RSV. Learn how to help #PreventRSV at: www.nfid.org/rsv
Infants/Young Children
- #DYK: Almost all children will have had #RSV by their 2nd birthday? While RSV may look like a common cold, it can lead to severe illness and hospitalization. Learn how to help #PreventRSV at www.nfid.org/rsv. #RSVAwareness
- Crystal didn’t know about #RSV until it sent her 3-month-old son to the hospital. Crystal wants more parents to learn about the disease and how to help prevent it. Read her story: www.nfid.org/real-stories/crystals-story-rsv/ #RSVAwareness
Adults
- #DYK: Only 40% of US adults age 60 years and older plan to #GetVaccinated to help #PreventRSV? Ask about RSV #vaccines to avoid the risks and learn more at: http://www.nfid.org/rsv
- RSV does not only impact young children … #RSV causes up to 160,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths annually among US adults 65+. Learn more about this common, but potentially serious virus: www.nfid.org/rsv #RSVAwareness
#GetVaccinated to help #PreventRSV
Related Resources
2024 National Survey: Attitudes and Behaviors about Influenza, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Pneumococcal Disease
2024 national survey on flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease
Contagious Chronicles: Updated Recommendations for Respiratory Season
In this episode, NFID experts discuss updated recommendations to help protect against COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease …
Contagious Chronicles: Don’t Be A Dreaded Spreader
In this episode, NFID experts offer insights on updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)