Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

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.

What is RSV?

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.

How does RSV spread?

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.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

An RSV infection might result in symptoms similar to the common cold, including:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache

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:

• Fever
• Severe cough
• Difficult breathing
• Wheezing
• Bluish color of the skin (due to lack of oxygen)

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.

How long does RSV last?

RSV infection typically resolves within two weeks, but coughing or wheezing may persist in some people.

RSV complications

Babies, older adults and people who are immunocompromised may experience further complications from RSV.

• Asthma: There’s a chance of developing asthma later in life if you had severe RSV as a child.
• Middle ear infection: Ear infections, which are most often seen in babies and young children, can develop if RSV gets behind the eardrum.
• Repeat RSV infection: Reinfection of RSV – even during the same RSV season – is unfortunately possible. Infections are usually milder but can still be risky for older adults and people with lung or heart disease.
• Pneumonia: RSV is the most common culprit when infants experience inflammation of the lungs or the airways (bronchiolitis). Young kids, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those who have heart or lung disease are also susceptible to pneumonia.
• Hospitalization: Severe RSV can result in hospitalization and additional treatment.

When is RSV contagious?

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.

How can you tell if it’s RSV or another respiratory virus?

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.

RSV vaccines

Certain people are eligible for preventive RSV vaccines to help lower the risk of severe infection during RSV season.

• Pregnant people can receive an RSV vaccination between 32 and 36 weeks.
• Babies 8 months and younger born during or entering their first RSV season can receive a preventive antibody treatment.
• Adults 60 years and older can receive an RSV vaccination.

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.

RSV treatment

Managing your symptoms is the best course of action for RSV treatment.

• Treat fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen.
• Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Keep air moist with a humidifier, which can help lessen coughing and ease congestion.
• Use saline nasal drops or spray to help clear congestion.
• If your child is sick, avoid giving them cold medicine before consulting with their doctor as some contain ingredients that aren’t safe for children.

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).

Tips for preventing RSV

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:

• Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean surfaces you touch often such as door handles, countertops and mobile devices.
• Avoid close contact such as shaking hands or kissing.
• Cover your face when you cough or sneeze.
• Don’t touch your face if you haven’t washed your hands.
• Don’t share cups or utensils.
• Stay at home when you’re feeling ill.