Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Young children and older adults, especially those with certain underlying health conditions, are at higher risk for severe illness from RSV.
Individual cases of RSV are not reportable in Florida. All outbreaks of RSV are reportable. The Florida Department of Health will continue to make updates on the trends presented in this report as needed.
Season
Florida’s RSV season is longer than the rest of the nation and has distinct regional patterns. For this reason, the state isbroken up into five RSV regions, each with their own RSVseason. The Florida Department of Health established regional RSV seasons based on activity thresholds providedby the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Florida RSV Regions
| Northwest | October-April |
| North | September-March |
| Central | August-March |
| Southeast | January-December |
| Southwest | September-April |
Surveillance and Investigation
Surveillance is conducted to support clinical decision-making for prophylaxis of premature infants. The determination of unique seasonal and geographic trends in RSV activity in Florida has important implications for prescribing patterns for initiating prophylaxis to children at high risk for complications from RSV infection. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends pre-approval for prophylactic treatment be made based on state surveillance data.
In 2023, two vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) and a monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) were approved for the prevention of RSV related illness. For more information about these products, refer to the links below.
To learn more about RSV in Florida, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/RSV.
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