What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that affects people of all ages, but it is most severe in certain vulnerable groups.

What is RSV?

RSV is a virus that infects the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages. It is known for causing respiratory illnesses, particularly in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems235.

How is RSV Spread?

RSV is spread through several mechanisms:

• Direct contact with an infected person, such as through shaking hands or kissing.
• Indirect contact by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Through tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes235.

Symptoms

The symptoms of RSV infection are often similar to those of the common cold and include:

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

In infants, especially those under 6 months, symptoms may be less typical and can include irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite, and difficulty breathing. Severe infections can lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) or pneumonia (inflammation of the lung's tiny air sacs), which can cause symptoms such as wheezing, difficult breathing, and a bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen245.

At-Risk Groups

Infants younger than 12 months and adults older than 60 are at the highest risk for severe RSV symptoms. People with weakened immune systems are also more likely to develop severe infections235.

Duration and Contagious Period

Most people recover from RSV infection within one to two weeks, although coughing or wheezing may persist for several weeks. The virus is typically contagious for 3 to 8 days after symptoms appear, but some individuals, especially those with compromised immune systems, can remain contagious for up to four weeks after symptoms have resolved235.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventive measures include frequent hand-washing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, avoiding close contact with individuals who have cold or flu-like symptoms, and covering the face when coughing or sneezing. There is no specific treatment for RSV; management typically involves at-home care to alleviate symptoms, and in severe cases, hospital care may be necessary to provide oxygen, fluids, or other supportive treatments245.

RSV is a seasonal virus, with its peak season in the U.S. generally occurring from September through January, although it can vary by local area24.