RSV

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

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

Examples of RSV in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Abbreviation or noun
The genomic testing of traveler's nasal swabs has mainly been focused on COVID-19, but testing also is being done for two other respiratory viruses — flu and RSV. Mike Stobbe, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 The flu is currently the cause of more emergency room visits than COVID-19 and another respiratory illness, known as RSV, in Michigan, especially among children, the department said in email to the Free Press. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 11 Mar. 2024 The Trainwreck star has previously been open about her son's health, having revealed Gene's bout with respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV over a year ago. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Health officials yesterday announced a new policy focused on actions people can take to reduce the spread of a variety of common respiratory viruses, including COVID, but also influenza, RSV, and more. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 However, Covid-19 is not like RSV or influenza, particularly given the long-term organ damage caused by the SARS2-CoV virus. Judy Stone, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 This aligns with the guidance for other respiratory illnesses, including flu and RSV. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2024 Much of the data the CDC had tracked on COVID-19 alongside other trends, like influenza and RSV, will also continue to be published. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2024 For every 1 million doses of RSV vaccine given, between 2,400 and 2,700 RSV hospitalizations, 450 to 520 intensive care unit admissions, and 120 to 140 deaths are averted, the agency estimated. Helen Branswell, STAT, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'RSV.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of RSV was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near RSV

Cite this Entry

“RSV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RSV. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

RSV

1 of 2 abbreviation or noun
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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