RSV Basics
RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is a common respiratory illness that can affect anyone. RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can cause serious illness in infants and older adults. RSV typically occurs during the fall and winter months and is the most common cause of inflammation or infection of the lungs in children younger than one year of age.
There are new RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments available for older adults, pregnant women in their third trimester, and newborns to protect against severe illness or hospitalization for this virus. Talk to your family health care provider about RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody preventive treatments to stay safe this season.
People at the highest risk for severe disease from RSV include
Premature infants
Young children with congenital (from birth) heart or chronic lung disease
Young children with compromised (weakened) immune systems due to a medical condition or medical treatment
Children with neuromuscular disorders
Adults with compromised immune systems
Older adults, especially those with underlying heart or lung disease
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.
Symptoms
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:
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
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.