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

That’s not true for viruses like rotavirus, flu, RSV. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026

The six vaccines that are no longer broadly recommended include protections against rotavirus, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and some forms of meningococcal disease and RSV. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

How much flu, COVID and RSV is there in Florida? —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

Per the new schedule, the CDC will no longer universally recommend vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, meningococcal disease, RSV, hepatitis A and B, and rotavirus for children, instead recommending them only for high-risk groups or leaving the decision up to parents and doctors. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Jan. 2026

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