RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute respiratory illness in people of all ages. In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under one year of age. On average in the United States, RSV leads to over 50,000 hospitalizations in children younger than five years old. Almost all children are infected with the virus by their second birthday, but only a small percentage of those who are infected develop severe disease resulting in hospitalization (0.5% - 2%).

Premature infants, children less than two years of age with congenital heart or chronic lung disease, and children with compromised (weakened) immune systems are at highest risk for severe disease. Adults with compromised immune systems and those 65 and older are also at increased risk of severe disease.

RSV can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Coughing and sneezing send virus-containing droplets into the air, where they can infect a person who inhales the droplets.

Infection can also result from direct and indirect contact with nasal or oral secretions from infected persons. Direct contact with the virus can occur, for example, by kissing the face of a child with RSV. Indirect contact can occur if the virus gets on an environmental surface, such as a doorknob, that is then touched by other people. Direct and indirect transmission of the virus usually occurs when people touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, mouth, or nose.

Most commonly for three–eight days after onset of illness. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as four weeks.

Symptoms of RSV infection are similar to other respiratory infections. A person with an RSV infection might cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose, fever, and decrease in appetite. Wheezing may also occur. In very young infants, irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may be the only symptoms of infection. Most  otherwise healthy infants infected with RSV do not need to be hospitalized. Recovery from illness usually occurs in about one - two weeks.

Illness usually begins four-six days after exposure with a runny nose and decrease in appetite. Coughing usually develops one to three days later, which may be followed by sneezing, fever, and wheezing.

No. Re-infection can occur throughout life.

Complications may include bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In most cases, including among those who need to be hospitalized, full recovery from illness occurs in about one-two weeks.

No, there is no vaccine which protects against RSV, but, a drug called palivizumab (say “pah-lih-VIH-zu-mahb”) is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and children who are at high risk for complications. It cannot help cure or treat children already suffering from serious RSV disease and it cannot prevent infection with RSV. If your child is at high risk for severe RSV disease, talk to your healthcare provider about this medication.

People who have cold-like symptoms should:

• Cover their coughs and sneezes
• Wash their hands frequently and correctly (with soap and water for 15–20 seconds)
• Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others
• Refrain from kissing others

In addition, cleaning contaminated surfaces (such as doorknobs) may help stop the spread of RSV.