RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Often assumed to be the common cold, RSV is very common, and most people will have contracted RSV by the time they’re two years old. RSV vaccines and other preventive measures, such as washing your hands frequently, can help stop the spread of the virus. RSV season in the U.S. is from September through January.
RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract. Signs of RSV are mostly mild and in line with the common cold. RSV can unfortunately be a serious concern for infants, older adults and immunocompromised people (those at high risk due to weakened immune systems). These vulnerable groups are more likely to need hospitalization if they develop severe RSV.
RSV commonly enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth when tiny droplets are expelled from coughs and sneezes. Direct contact with an infected person can also result in infection. Because the virus can survive on hard surfaces for hours, it’s possible to catch it from contaminated objects like a door handle, toy or countertop.
An RSV infection might result in symptoms similar to the common cold, including:
RSV symptoms in kids are similar to RSV symptoms in adults, but sometimes a more severe cough or wheezing is possible.
RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways leading into the lungs) or pneumonia (inflammation of the tiny air sacs in the lungs) if it spreads to the lower respiratory tract. When this occurs, a severe RSV infection is possible. Symptoms include:
Those at high risk of severe infection include adults older than 60 and babies younger than 12 months. In infants, these signs may include a cough with short, shallow or rapid breaths or labored breathing, where their chest muscles and skin pull in tightly when they inhale. They may also be unusually tired, irritable or uninterested in eating.
RSV infection typically resolves within two weeks, but coughing or wheezing may persist in some people.
Babies, older adults and people who are immunocompromised may experience further complications from RSV.
RSV is most contagious within eight days of infection, and you may be contagious before you even begin to feel sick. RSV in babies and immunocompromised people can continue to spread the virus for up to four weeks – even if they don’t have symptoms.
While you don’t have to quarantine if you suspect you have RSV, staying home when you’re sick ensures you’re keeping other people safe by lessening the spread of infection.
During the fall, winter and early spring, it’s possible to get sick from many different seasonal illnesses and respiratory viruses. RSV shares symptoms with the common cold and overlaps with COVID-19 and flu. Even if it’s hard to tell what you’re sick with, it’s important to avoid being around vulnerable people who are at risk of severe infection. Wearing a mask can also help keep others safe when you need to leave the house.
Ask your doctor about getting an RSV test, COVID-19 test or testing for other illnesses if your symptoms last longer than a week or are worsening.
Certain people are eligible for preventive RSV vaccines to help lower the risk of severe infection during RSV season.
The RSV antibody treatment is also recommended for children 8-19 months old who have an increased risk of severe infection during their second RSV season.
Managing your symptoms is the best course of action for RSV treatment.
Seek immediate, in-person medical assistance if you or a loved one is experiencing severe RSV symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, a high fever or blue-tinted lips or nail beds (from decreased oxygen levels).
When it’s RSV season, lessening the spread of infection is key. Use these tips to prevent RSV and help keep yourself and those around you healthy:
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