When Will RSV Arrive in 2023

In the United States, annual Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV outbreaks typically occur during late fall, winter, and early spring. However, there have been variations in the timing of RSV outbreaks between regions in recent years.

Across both prepandemic and pandemic years, RSV circulation in the U.S. began in Florida, then the southeast, and later in the north and west regions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed the 2022–2023 RSV season began in June and peaked in November, suggesting a return toward prepandemic seasonality. 

As of July 18, 2023, the CDC's RSV dashboard indicated very few detections in the U.S., including in Florida.

From an international perspective, the World Health Organization Influenza Update N° 449 found as of July 7, 2023, RSV activity decreased to low levels in Central America and the Caribbeans while increasing in a few temperate South American countries. 

Regardless of when RSV season starts, infections can lead to death.

The CDC says RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two. But RSV infections can also become severe.

The JAMA Network published an Original Investigation in 2022 that suggests RSV poses a greater risk than influenza to infants, while both are associated with substantial mortality among elderly individuals.

This study found a mean of 6,549 (95% CI, 6140-6958) underlying respiratory deaths associated with RSV annually, including 96 (95% CI, 92-99) deaths among children younger than one year.

The good news for the 2023 RSV season is the approval of preventive therapies for older people, pregnant women, and infants.

As of July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved both vaccines and monoclonal antibody products for certain people.

These manufacturers have stated their products should be available in the U.S. when the RSV season begins.