RSV Explained: What It Is, Who’s at Risk, and When to Seek Medical Care

RSV Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viruses that affects the respiratory system. Although most people become infected at least once during their lifetime and recover with mild symptoms, RSV can cause severe illness in infants, older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions.

Understanding RSV, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, can help you recognize the infection early and seek appropriate medical care when needed.

What is RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. It affects people of all ages but is especially common in young children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RSV is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections in infants worldwide.

It can also cause serious illness in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic heart and lung diseases. While RSV often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in people at higher risk of complications.

What Causes RSV

RSV spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Infection occurs when these droplets come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The virus can also spread through direct contact, such as shaking hands with someone who is infected, or by touching contaminated surfaces before touching your face.

RSV can remain viable for several hours on hard surfaces, including countertops, crib rails, toys, and doorknobs. Touching these contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands can increase your risk of infection.

Although anyone can become infected with RSV, certain individuals are at greater risk of developing severe illness, including:

Infants, especially premature babies
Adults aged 60 years and older
People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Individuals with chronic heart disease, including congestive heart failure
People with weakened immune systems

RSV Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop 4–6 days after exposure to the virus, although the incubation period can range from 2 to 8 days. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection often begins with mild, cold-like symptoms, including:

Nasal congestion or a runny nose
Dry cough
Mild fever
Sore throat
Sneezing
Headache

Symptoms of Severe RSV Infection

In some individuals, RSV can progress to the lower respiratory tract, leading to conditions such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia. Symptoms of severe infection may include:

High fever.
Persistent or severe cough.
Wheezing, characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound during exhalation.
Rapid or labored breathing, with affected individuals often finding it more comfortable to remain seated rather than lying flat.
A bluish discoloration of the skin or lips (cyanosis), indicating reduced oxygen levels in the blood.

Signs of Severe RSV Infection in Infants

Infants are at a higher risk of developing severe RSV illness. Warning signs include:

Rapid, shallow breathing
Increased effort to breathe, with the chest muscles and skin pulling inward during each breath (chest retractions)
Persistent cough
Poor feeding or difficulty eating
Unusual drowsiness or lethargy
Irritability

Parents should seek immediate medical care if these symptoms develop.

RSV treatment

Most children and adults recover from RSV infection within one to two weeks without complications. However, some individuals may continue to experience recurrent wheezing after recovery.

Severe or life-threatening RSV infection requiring hospitalization is more likely to occur in premature infants and individuals with chronic heart disease or underlying lung conditions.

Several immunization options are now available to help prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in both infants and older adults. To protect newborns, RSV vaccination is recommended during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester, which generally begins around the 28th week of gestation.

Maternal vaccination enables protective antibodies against RSV to cross the placenta and reach the fetus, providing passive immunity that can help protect the infant for approximately the first six months after birth.

FAQs

How do you treat RSV in children?

Most children with RSV recover within one to two weeks with supportive care. Treatment includes plenty of fluids, rest, fever-reducing medication when needed, and saline nasal drops to relieve congestion.

Seek medical care if your child has difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that worsen.

Is RSV very contagious?

Yes. RSV is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Does RSV occur in adults?

Yes. Adults can get RSV, although it often causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, older adults and people with chronic heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during the recommended stage of pregnancy to help protect their babies, as well as older adults who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Your healthcare provider can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for you.