Respiratory syncytial virus infection, usually called RSV, is a lot like a bad cold. It causes the same symptoms. And like a cold, it is very common and very contagious. Most children have had it at least once by age 2.
RSV is usually not something to worry about, but it can lead to pneumonia or other problems in some people, especially babies. So, it's important to monitor the patient and call a doctor if symptoms get worse.
This infection is caused by a virus. Like a cold, RSV attacks your nose, eyes, throat and lungs. RSV spreads like a cold too, when you cough, sneeze or share food or drinks.
There are many kinds of RSV, so your body never becomes immune to it. You can get it again and again throughout your life, sometimes during the same season.
RSV usually causes many of the same symptoms as a bad cold, such as:
Babies with RSV may also:
Some children also have more serious symptoms, like wheezing.
It's very hard to keep from catching RSV, just like it's hard to keep from catching a cold. But you can lower the chances by practicing good health habits. Wash your hands often and teach your child to do the same. Make sure that your child is up to date with the vaccines your doctor recommends.
Medication to prevent RSV may be given to patients with high risk conditions (prematurity or compromised immune system). These medicines don’t always prevent RSV, but they may keep symptoms from getting serious.
Doctors usually diagnose RSV by assessing your symptoms and whether there has been an outbreak in your area. Typically, testing isn’t needed unless the patient is likely to have complications from RSV.
Once infected with RSV, people are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, but infants may continue to spread the virus even after symptoms stop for up to 4 weeks.
Like with a cold, home treatment is all that is needed for most people. RSV usually goes away on its own after a week or two. Here’s how to care for a patient with RSV.
RSV can be serious when the symptoms are very bad or when it leads to other problems, like pneumonia. The following groups of people are more likely to have problems with RSV:
Patients in the categories listed above sometimes need treatment in a hospital. This is why it’s important to watch the patient’s symptoms and talk to a doctor if they get worse. If your child is showing signs of the following, it may be a good idea to head to the ER:
If your school or employer provides you with First Stop Health telemedicine, we’re here for you anytime, anywhere. Doctors call back in 6 minutes (on average) to provide diagnosis via phone or video.
Questions about COVID-19? Visit our Coronavirus Resource Center.