RSV Information and Resources
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV, is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. The majority of people recover between 1-2 weeks. RSV can be more serious and require hospitalization in infants and older adults.
Prevention
- Stay home when sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your shirt sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.
Symptoms
RSV symptoms may appear 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages. In very young infants, RSV symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.
RSV Transmission
RSV can spread when:
- An infected person coughs or sneezes
- You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth
- You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
- You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands
If you are sick with RSV
Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause severe illness in some people.
Ways to relieve symptoms:
- Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers.
- Drink enough fluids.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if symptoms progress.