RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

People of any age can contract RSV, but those at the highest risk of complications include:

• Premature infants and children under age 2
• Infants under the age of 6 months
• Children under age 2 with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma
• Children under age 2 with congenital (from birth) heart problems
• Children with neuromuscular disorders that cause difficulty in clearing mucus secretions or swallowing
• Adults and children with weakened immune systems due to illnesses or medical conditions
• Older adults with heart or lung problems

Respiratory viruses are primarily spread to others by respiratory droplets and aerosols that travel through the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, sings, coughs, or sneezes. They can also be spread by contact – either with the infected person (like kissing or shaking hands), or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. These viruses can survive on surfaces for many hours.

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as four weeks.

Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or child-care centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms may include:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Decrease in appetite
• Fever

These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. See a medical provider if symptoms worsen.

There is no specific treatment for illnesses caused by RSV. Most people will recover on their own. You can relieve your symptoms by: 

• Taking pain or fever medications (note: never give aspirin to children)
• Using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
• Drinking plenty of liquids to stay hydrated
• Staying home and resting

If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your health care provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for certain people based on their age and risk factors: 

Infants and toddlers: Infants up to 8 months old born during or entering their first RSV season should get the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus®). A small group of infants and toddlers between 8 and 19 months old who are at high risk for severe disease may also get nirsevimab. Pregnant people can get the RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo) to provide antibodies to the fetus that protect the newborn from birth to 6 months of age. 

Adults ages 75 and older: All adults in this age group should get the RSV vaccine. 

Adults ages 60–74: Adults in this age group should get the RSV vaccine if they have risk factors for severe RSV, such as:

• Chronic heart or lung disease 

• Weakened immune system 

• Diabetes or other medical conditions 

• Living in a nursing home 

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face (especially mouth, nose, and eyes).
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Disinfect objects and surfaces regularly (like doorknobs, countertops, and light switches).

Symptoms and care with RSV – CDC
People who are at high risk for severe RSV infection – CDC
Wash Your Hands! – DHS
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Homepage – CDC