B97.4: Respiratory syncytial virus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that often targets the respiratory tract, causing diseases in other parts of the body as well. It is easily spread through direct contact and airborne droplets, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually show in the form of a mild, cold-like illness but can also become severe, especially in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. These severe cases might result in bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, or pneumonia, infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The virus may also affect the heart, potentially causing heart failure, and engage the immune system, possibly inducing immune system disorders.