Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection (2023)

FAQs

Is RSV worse than COVID? ›

Coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are two kinds of respiratory illnesses that have some similar symptoms. So far, the new coronavirus appears to be more dangerous for adults, especially older ones.

RSV can cause more serious health problems

RSV can also cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.

Mild RSV symptoms are similar to the common cold and don't require treatment from a healthcare provider. RSV usually goes away on its own within one to two weeks.

RSV can cause severe infection in some people, including babies 12 months and younger (infants), especially premature infants, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system (immunocompromised).

RSV symptoms typically last from two to eight days though they can last longer, especially when they lead to other serious conditions such as: A worsening of your asthma or COPD symptoms.

Like other respiratory infections, RSV is highly contagious and spreads via sneezing, coughing — even kissing. The airborne virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth, says the Cleveland Clinic. The virus can also spread to people who touch contaminated surfaces or objects and then touch their face.

When an adult gets RSV infection, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop a lung infection or pneumonia. RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of serious conditions such as: Asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe.

Most people with RSV remain contagious for 3 to 8 days. Young infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for weeks. People can be contagious even if they don't have a fever or any other RSV symptoms. If you have RSV, stay home as much as possible until you're no longer contagious.

Is RSV only spread by kissing? ›

RSV is spread through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets. Kissing, sharing drinks, or transferring things from mouth to mouth can transmit RSV. Washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact when you are sick will decrease the spread and help protect our littlest family members.

Call your child's health care provider if your child: seems sick, shows signs of RSV and is less than 6 months of age or at high risk. has thick mucus from the nose or mouth that is yellow, green or gray.

Similar to precautions someone would take if they had the flu or COVID-19, people with RSV are contagious and should stay home and away from other people to avoid spreading the virus. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands as this is how germs spread.

Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties. Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days.

Mild RSV infections will go away in a week or two without treatment. You can use over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers to manage your symptoms. Check with your doctor if you are not sure if an over-the-counter product is safe to give to your child.

RSV symptoms are typically at their worst on days 3 through 5 of illness. Fortunately, almost all children recover from an RSV infection on their own.

Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.

Unfortunately, yes. "Adults can absolutely get RSV from kids," Dr. Fisher said.

What are the symptoms of RSV in adults? Typical symptoms include a cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, mild fevers, and fatigue.

The child may also have a hoarse cough and a very congested rattling in the chest, which often worsens during the night. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms and the condition of your child, you may call your pediatrician for advice.

Does RSV leave permanent damage? ›

Can RSV cause permanent damage in adults? Most people with RSV infection recover fully, even without treatment. But in some cases, RSV may cause damage to your lungs, airways, or heart that is long lasting or permanent.

To prevent nosocomial spread, infants and young children with suspected RSV infection should be placed on contact isolation.

Healthcare providers should use highly sensitive rRT-PCR assays when testing older children and adults for RSV. rRT-PCR assays are now commercially available for RSV.

Most RSV infections will resolve within 1 or 2 weeks. People can be re-infected with different strains of RSV from year to year, although subsequent infections tend to be less severe than the first/primary infection.

If they have RSV or even if a health care provider suspects it is RSV even with no testing done, children can go back to school or daycare once they are starting to feel better and they have no fever for 24 hours.

It is easy to catch RSV. This is a very common virus and is spread by any physical contact – such as touching, kissing, and shaking hands – with an infected person. The germs are also spread through the air by sneezing or coughing.

Common symptoms of mild RSV that develop in the first days after infection include: Cough that may develop into wheezing (breathing that creates a sound different from normal breathing) Runny nose, post-nasal drip and sore throat.

How can I tell if I have Covid or RSV? ›

Since the symptoms are so similar, the best way to accurately determine whether you have COVID-19 or the flu is to get tested. The COVID-19, Flu, RSV combined test is an option if you would like to determine what type of infection you have.

In adults and older children, typical RSV symptoms include a low-grade fever, congested or runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and occasionally wheezing.

The flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all highly contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses: The flu by influenza virus, COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RSV by respiratory syncytial virus. It is possible for a person to be infected with multiple viruses at the same time.

RSV is most dangerous in newborns and infants younger than 6 months of age. That's because it causes a substantial amount of inflammation in the airways and extra mucus production in both the nasal and lung airways. These blockages can make it very difficult to breath, particularly in young infants with tiny airways.

Typically, RSV causes a cold, which may be followed by bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Symptoms generally last an average of 5-7 days.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory related to increased respiratory infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-195. RSV is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory illnesses that affects newborns, young children, and the elderly.