ATLANTA -- As families prepare for holiday gatherings, health officials are raising concerns about an uptick in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases across Georgia. The highly contagious virus can be particularly concerning for young children, especially infants and toddlers, whose smaller airways make them more vulnerable to severe symptoms.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV is circulating at high levels in Georgia, and emergency room visits related to the virus are at "very high" levels. While RSV symptoms are generally mild for most adults, the virus can lead to severe complications in older adults and young children. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are particularly at risk due to their smaller airways, which can quickly become obstructed.