RSV Cases Now Reported Year-Round in Children
Health experts say RSV infections in children are no longer confined to a single season, with adolescents with mild symptoms spreading the virus to younger siblings.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Asthma
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RSV infection cases are now reported throughout the year in children, according to an expert presenting findings at a paediatrics congress in Tashkent. Mild symptoms in older children can lead to severe illness in younger siblings.
Why it matters
Because RSV spreads through contact and older children with mild infections can transmit the virus to infants, year-round circulation raises concern for the youngest and most vulnerable children. The disease also carries a documented link to later asthma development.
Global estimates put RSV at around 33 million lower respiratory infections among children under five each year, with over 100,000 child deaths annually. Children infected at an early age face a three to 12 times higher risk of developing bronchial asthma, though the source does not detail the study populations behind these estimates.
The players
Tashkent Paediatrics Congress
An international conference for paediatric medicine held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where RSV findings were presented.
The details
RSV can progress from common cold symptoms to bronchitis, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia. Passive immunisation is available for children at increased risk, particularly premature infants, and can be given alongside routine vaccinations.
Timeline
Every year, RSV causes millions of child infections and over 100,000 deaths.
Findings were presented at a paediatrics congress in Tashkent on 6 November 2026.
Big Picture
The reported year-round circulation of RSV builds on the existing case for passive immunisation of premature and high-risk infants, which can be administered alongside routine childhood vaccinations. The source does not indicate how these findings affect current immunisation schedules.
Parents of infants and premature babies may consider whether passive immunisation is appropriate, since it is available for children at increased risk and can be given with routine vaccinations. Households with older children who have mild respiratory symptoms may face a higher chance of passing RSV to younger siblings.
The takeaway
Because RSV can move from older children with mild symptoms to infants, reducing contact with younger siblings during illness may help protect the most vulnerable. Parents should discuss passive immunisation options with a paediatrician when a child is at increased risk.
Further reading
Explore more on Asthma for context on the respiratory risks linked to early-life RSV infection.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UzDaily.
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