Respiratory Syncytial Virus

What is it?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory illnesses in people of any age, but it most commonly affects infants and young children. Almost all children are infected at least once by two years of age. Although RSV is primarily seen as a cause of illness in infants and children, it often affects the elderly and innumocompromised adults. Symptoms of RSV in the elderly are similar to influenza and can cause serious health complications. RSV tends to occur in annual epidemics during the winter and early spring.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Very young infants may have a lack of energy, be irritable, feed poorly, and sometimes stop breathing for short periods. In older infants, children, and adults, symptoms include sore throat, cough, rapid shallow breathing, and wheezing. In infants and young children, RSV is the most important cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

What is the contagious period?

Once exposed to the virus, it can take 2 to 8 days before the illness occurs. When a person has symptoms, he or she is contagious for 3 to 8 days, but it may be longer, especially in young infants who may remain infectious for 3 to 4 weeks. The illness is spread through direct or close contact with infected secretions and the virus may live for one-half hour on the hands.

Is there any treatment for RSV?

Generally, there is no treatment necessary for RSV, however, hydration is important to maintain. Infants and young children with severe infection may require specialized care in hospitals.

How can you prevent it?

The best prevention is good handwashing. If you have a very young child, avoid exposing them to people with cold-like symptoms.

Revised: 2010-03-09