Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Aug 23, 2023
  • Author: Leonard R Krilov, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

High-risk groups for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection include the following:

  • Premature infants in their first year of life (the younger the child is [in gestational and chronologic age] at the start of RSV season, the greater the risk)

  • Infants with chronic lung disease (eg, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or cystic fibrosis) during their first 2 years of life

  • Children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, especially with increased pulmonary blood flow

  • Patients with immunodeficient states

  • Children with metabolic disorders, structural airway abnormalities, and neuromuscular disorders

  • Children of multiple births (triplets or greater)

Differential Diagnoses