Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common infection in which population and is highly contagious?

• A. Influenza virus
• B. Adenovirus
• C. Parainfluenza virus
• D. Respiratory syncytial virus

Answer: (D)

RSV is the infection most characteristically and most commonly seen in infants and young children, and it spreads very easily among people in close contact, such as those in daycare or homes with toddlers. Among the listed viruses, RSV best fits the description of a very common, highly contagious respiratory infection in that age group. The others can cause respiratory illness too, but they do not have the same level of prevalence in infants and the same pattern of spread in that population. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, and RSV frequently presents in young children with bronchiolitis or lower respiratory tract symptoms.