RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that affects the airways and lungs. RSV:

• Appears each year during the respiratory season (October through March)
• Can infect people of all ages, from infants to older adults
• Leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in most children and adults. It's sometimes accompanied by coughing or wheezing.

View the American Academy of Pediatrics children's vaccine schedule (PDF)

Infants and older adults are most at risk for severe health outcomes from RSV.

Babies are most at risk for severe RSV infections during their first cold and flu season. This is due to their small airways and lack of prior exposure. Pre-existing conditions further increase vulnerability in young children, such as:

• Chronic lung disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Cystic fibrosis

Older adults are at an elevated risk because of their weakened immune systems.

RSV resembles a common cold with symptoms like cough, congestion, and a runny or stuffy nose.

When a baby gets RSV for the first time, it can move into their lower respiratory tract. This can cause a "chest cold" rather than a "head cold."

Severe symptoms in babies include:

• Chest retractions (tugging in at the chest)
• Difficulty feeding
• Labored breathing
• Wheezing

RSV is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. It can be transferred from the hands to the nose or eyes.

RSV is transmitted through:

• Coughing, sneezing, and close contact
• Touching contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or gas pumps

Washing your hands and using hand sanitizer can prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent you and your child from catching RSV:

• Keep up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.
• Stay home when you're sick and try to avoid contact with sick people.
• Talk to your child's doctor to make sure they are up to date on their RSV vaccinations.

If your child has RSV, here are some guidelines to treat them at home:

• Have your child rest.
• Give them extra fluids. Extra fluids may be needed because coughing and fever can lead to dehydration. A good way to check hydration is by tracking urination. Children should urinate at least once every 6 to 8 hours. Less frequent urination is a sign to contact a doctor.
• Try to keep your child as comfortable as possible.
• Check for symptoms, which may need medical attention.

If your child is playing, drinking fluids, peeing normally, and acting like usual, you can feel sure that they are getting better from RSV.

But, if you notice the following warning signs, call your doctor:

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Inconsolability
• Unusual breathing patterns, such as:
  • Chest or neck retractions
  • Grunting
  • Head bobbing
  • Nostril flaring
  • Rapid breathing
  • Wheezing