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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Learn about RSV, its symptoms, and treatment with the following resources. For more information, visit the CDC webpage.

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THE BASICS

Respiratory syncytial virus or “RSV” is a common respiratory virus causing cold-like symptoms. While anyone can get RSV, it is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in children under 1 year of age. People are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Most people with RSV develop symptoms 4-6 days after getting infected. Symptoms in most children and adults resemble a cold and most commonly include:

  • Cough
  • Runny Nose
  • Body Aches
  • Feeling Tired
  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Wheezing
  • Sneezing

When should a doctor be called?

Fortunately, most people recover from an RSV infection on their own. RSV symptoms are typically at their worst on days 3 through 5 of illness. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency care if you or your child are having any of the following symptoms:

  • High, ongoing fever (101.3 F [38.5 C] or higher)
  • Trouble breathing, such as short, rapid, and shallow breaths or retractions, where the chest caves in and the belly expands with each breath
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Unusual irritability or inactivity
  • Refusing to nurse or bottle-feed
  • Turning blue around the lips and fingertips

Prevention

How is RSV prevented?

There are key steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses, including:

  • 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 close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
  • Clean shared toys daily in a dishwasher or with soap and hot water to avoid any toxicity

 

Is there an RSV vaccine?

Yes, there are RSV vaccines available for infants, pregnant people, and adults age 60 and older. For information on vaccines, please visit the CDC's RSV vaccines page.

Treatment

How is RSV treated?

RSV can go away in a week or two on its own. However, to relieve symptoms you can: 

  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Use fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to a child with a fever. 

 

When can people return to work/school?

Adults and children diagnosed with RSV should stay home until at least 24 hours after fever disappears without use of medication. However, if childcare centers or other facilities are having a respiratory illness cluster, they may ask people to stay home longer (5+ days after illness begins).

For additional questions, concerns, or guidance call the BPHC's Infectious Disease Bureau at 617-534-5611.

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