What is RSV?
Cold, flu and RSV season can be stressful if you’re a parent with a new baby. Or, if you’re at high risk for infection yourself. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infection in the lungs and respiratory tract. Did you know it’s so common in children that most youngsters have had RSV by their second birthday?1 RSV in healthy, older children and adults is typically mild. However, RSV can be severe in infants, babies, older adults with a weakened immune system from certain health conditions. Read on to learn the signs of RSV, how to prevent catching it and when to see a doctor.1
How do you get RSV?
Like other viruses, RSV enters the body through your eyes, nose or mouth. Unfortunately, it spreads quickly in the air. So, if someone with the virus coughs or sneezes near you or your child, you could catch it. Not to mention, a simple handshake could give you more than just a warm hello — suds up or sanitize afterward.1
The virus can hang around for hours on things like countertops, door handles, toys and pretty much any hard object. It’s important to disinfect these surfaces and wash your hands after touching them to reduce your risk of transferring those germs to your eyes, nose or mouth.1
What are the signs and symptoms of RSV?
For most healthy adults and older children, RSV symptoms may be similar to those of a common cold. However, in more severe cases, RSV can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs). RSV impacts infants and babies the most because their immune systems are so new. Keep a close eye on little ones if you suspect an RSV infection, as they may show additional symptoms.1,2
Common RSV symptoms in healthy adults and older children may include:
- Low-grade fever
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Headache
Common cold vs. RSV for infants and babies
It can be hard to tell if your infant or baby has RSV or just a bad cold. Use the table below to help spot the differences between the common cold and RSV.2
| Common cold symptoms in infants and babies may include: | RSV symptoms in infants and babies may also include: |
|---|---|
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How is RSV diagnosed?
A doctor may be able to diagnose RSV through a physical exam (especially if it’s during peak RSV season). For children, their provider may do a nasal swab to test for RSV. Additional RSV testing and screenings typically aren’t necessary, but they could include a chest X-ray to check for inflammation, oxygen saturation test to check oxygen levels, and blood tests.2,3
How is RSV treated?
Because RSV is a virus, there’s not much you can do other than make yourself or your child as comfortable as possible while it runs its course. Medications like steroids and antibiotics won’t be effective. While severe RSV symptoms may require a trip to the hospital for fluids or oxygen, you’ll likely be able to treat mild symptoms from the comfort of your home. At-home RSV treatment methods include things you might do for a cold, like:2,3
- Use a cool-mist humidifier
- Stay hydrated (and do frequent feedings for infants and babies)
- Use nasal saline solutions (and nasal suctioning for little ones)
- Get plenty of rest
- For those older than 6 months, check with your doctor about taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with low-grade fevers.
How do I prevent RSV?
RSV prevention is similar to the common cold. Simple lifestyle habits like washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, regularly disinfecting surfaces in your home (including toys), limiting you or your child’s exposure to people who are sick, and feeding your baby breastmilk to pass along antibodies are all things you can do to help prevent RSV.2
RSV vaccine for adults
The CDC recommends adults ages 75 years or older, and those 60 or older who may have a high risk of developing severe RSV, get the RSV vaccine. It’s best to get the RSV vaccine just before RSV season starts, which is late summer and early fall.4
RSV vaccine for pregnant women and infants
Women who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant can get a maternal RSV vaccine. This vaccine may help pass along antibodies to the growing baby before birth. There are RSV vaccines available for infants and babies between birth and 24 months with high risk for developing severe RSV, and for infants born right before RSV season. Talk to your OBGYN or primary care provider about your options.4
RSV frequently asked questions
Cases of RSV have been on the rise likely as a result from measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic to try and reduce the spread of infection. When many adults and children stayed home several years ago to reduce their exposure to illnesses and other germs, their immune systems didn’t have a chance to build up immunity to infection like they usually do. So, when people started getting exposed again, infections were more severe.5
RSV symptoms generally last 7 to 14 days, with days 3 through 5 being the worst.2
RSV is very contagious. Someone infected with RSV is most contagious during the first week after they become infected (not when they start showing symptoms). Those with weaker immune systems (like infants) may spread RSV up to 4 weeks after their symptoms stop.1
When should I see a doctor for RSV?
Everyone, no matter their age, should see their doctor right away if they have a high fever, are wheezing, have difficulty or rapid breathing, or have bluish skin (that means they’re lacking oxygen). This is especially true for premature infants and babies, and those with a heart or lung condition. RSV can turn dangerous quickly, so if you have concerns, see your doctor as soon as you can. Infants and babies who show intense signs of infection or have a high fever (100.4) should be brought to the nearest urgent care or emergency room right away. In cases of severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing, you may need to call your local nurse line or 911.