Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is very common in children but can also infect adults. While RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can be dangerous and potentially require hospitalization for infants under 12 months of age, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions.
RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and you get virus droplets in your eyes, nose or mouth. You can also contract RSV by coming in contact with the virus (such as through touching a surface containing the virus or touching someone infected with the virus) then touching your face before washing your hands.
To help protect yourself and others from severe respiratory illnesses, including RSV, stay up to date on immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 75 and older—and adults ages 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease—get an RSV vaccine.
To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, the CDC recommends either the pregnant mother be vaccinated, or the infant be immunized against RSV.
Cover your coughs and sneezes. Frequently wash or sanitize your hands. Clean frequently touched surfaces. Stay home and avoid contact with others when you are sick. And seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe RSV illness.
According to the CDC, virtually all children get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. RSV poses the highest risk to infants and children under 1 year of age. Pre-term infants with underlying lung disease or congenital heart conditions are especially vulnerable.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval for the use of Nirsevimab, a new monoclonal antibody medication intended to offer passive immunity against RSV in infants and children up to 24 months of age. The medicine is administered via a single intramuscular injection.
While RSV exists all year, cases increase from October to March, especially among children under 1 year of age. The CDC recommends babies under 8 months of age should receive Nirsevimab before the start of the RSV season. Newborns born during the RSV season should ideally receive the medication within their first week of life. For infants already in the 8-to-9 month range, and for those babies with certain high-risk conditions, a second dose of the RSV medication may be administered in the following RSV season. Most children will get the shot once in their life, but for a small population of high-risk patients, they will receive a second dose the next year.
It is also important to teach kids good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, to prevent the spread of illnesses, including RSV.
If you’re infected with RSV, you may be contagious a day or two before you start showing symptoms, and you may be contagious for three to eight days. Some people, including infants and people with compromised immune systems, may continue to spread the virus for up to four weeks after they stop showing symptoms.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last up to two weeks. RSV symptoms may include:
In severe cases, RSV infection can cause more severe infections, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs). Symptoms might include:
Signs and symptoms of severe RSV in infants and young children might include:
Tests can help diagnose RSV or rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These may include chest X-rays, blood tests, mouth or nose swabs, and pulse oximetry, which checks for levels of oxygen in the blood. Based on the time of year and a physical exam, however, your doctor may choose to diagnose RSV without testing.
Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and require hospitalization. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.
Children are at increased risk of severe RSV disease if they were born prematurely, have chronic lung or heart disease, or have a weakened immune system.
Adults at highest risk of severe RSV infection include those who:
Typically, all that is required is self-care, including rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen to reduce fever. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as lack of urination or dry mouth.
In the case of severe RSV infection, hospitalization may be required, during which time you may be given intravenous (IV) fluids and/or humidified oxygen. In rare cases, use of a breathing machine may be necessary.
Seek immediate medical attention if your child, or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection, has:
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