RSV infection is often milder in adults but can be more serious in which group?

• A. Babies
• B. Young adults
• C. Healthy seniors
• D. Athletes

Answer: (A)

RSV tends to cause milder illness in adults because they have some prior immunity and larger airways, which helps limit the severity. In infants, especially the smallest babies, the airways are tiny and the immune system is still developing, so RSV can lead to significant lower respiratory tract disease like bronchiolitis and even pneumonia. This combination makes RSV infection much more likely to be serious in babies, sometimes requiring hospitalization and supportive care.

Among the options, babies are the group at highest risk for severe RSV. Young adults, healthy seniors, and athletes typically experience milder symptoms unless there are specific underlying health problems.