• RSV is spread through droplets from a person who coughs or sneezes, especially in or near your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can catch RSV when you have direct contact with a person who has the virus, or if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your face before washing your hands.
  

• ​​People who are infected with RSV can pass the virus on for 3 to 8 days after becoming infected. Some infants, and people living with weakened immune systems, may continue to spread the virus for as long as 4 weeks. RSV spreads quickly at school and child care centers and children can transmit the virus to other members of the household or family.
  
  

In Infants and Younger Children

• Infants and young children with RSV infection may have a runny nose and a decrease in appetite before any other symptoms appear. Cough usually develops 1 to 3 days later. Soon after the cough develops, sneezing, fever, and wheezing may occur. Symptoms in very young infants can include irritability, decreased activity, and pauses in breathing.

• Seek emergency treatment if your child has trouble breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or if symptoms worsen. 

In Adults 60 yrs of Age and Older

• Adults who get an RSV infection usually have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms are usually consistent with an upper respiratory tract infection, which can include runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, and fever. Illness usually lasts less than 5 days.​​​
  

Prevention

RSV can be prevented through standard hygiene practices that help stop germs such as:

• Covering your coughs and sneezes

• Using proper handwashing techniques

• Staying home (or keeping your child home) when you are sick

• Taking steps for cleaner air such as gathering outdoors, opening a window, wearing a mask, or purifying indoor air

RSV vaccination is available for older adults and pregnant women. Nirsevimab/beyfortus (a preventative monoclonal antibody) is available for infants.​

• For Older Adults

• CDC recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for:

• Everyone ages 75 and older

• Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

• Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk include those with certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic lung or heart disease, those with weakened immune systems, and those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

• RSV vaccine is NOT an annual vaccine, meaning patients do not need a dose every RSV season. 

• For adults who need an RSV vaccine and have not yet received a dose, RSV vaccine can be given at any time during the year, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in the community. In Maryland, this means the ideal time for vaccination is between August and October.
  

• For Pregnant People 
  

• An RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant people who are 32–36 weeks pregnant with seasonal administration during September–January in Maryland.

• Vaccination provides protection against severe RSV illness to the recipient's baby for up to 6 months of age. However, the infant's protection will wane over time. Talk to your family's health care provider about RSV prevention and treatment options to help you make an informed choice for your family.

• For Infants 

• Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a monoclonal antibody product that can protect infants and some young children from severe RSV disease. It is recommended for:

• Infants under 8 months old born during or entering their first RSV season (typically fall through spring) if their mother did not receive an RSV vaccine, or it is unknown whether their mother received an RSV vaccine, or the mother received a vaccine but the infant was born <14 days after vaccination.

• Some children between the ages of 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease before their second RSV season. These include:

• Children who have chronic lung disease of prematurity who required medical support (chronic corticosteroid therapy, diuretic therapy, or supplemental oxygen) any time during the 6-month period before the start of the second RSV season

• Children with severe immunocompromise

• Children with cystic fibrosis who have severe disease

• American Indian and Alaska Native children​
  

Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of RSV vaccination. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.

Patients are encouraged to report side effects of vaccines to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967.​​

Treatment

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these steps to relieve symptoms: 

• Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)
• Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.​
  
• Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized. But some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.​