Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infections. While often discussed in relation to infants and young children, where it can cause severe lower respiratory tract disease, people of all ages can contract the virus. Yes, teenagers can get RSV, though the illness often presents differently than in the most vulnerable populations. For most healthy adolescents, an RSV infection will feel similar to a routine cold or a mild flu, and they will recover without complications.
How RSV Spreads Among Teenagers
RSV is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact, such as kissing, or indirect contact by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes are common transmission routes. The virus can survive on hard surfaces for several hours, making shared objects a potential source of infection.
Teenagers are particularly effective at spreading the virus due to their close social interactions in school, on sports teams, and in shared group settings. An infected teen may be contagious for about three to eight days, often before symptoms fully develop or after they have started to improve. Because the symptoms are often mild, an adolescent may mistakenly believe they only have a minor cold, leading them to continue routine activities and unknowingly transmit the virus to others.
Recognizing Symptoms in Older Children
For teenagers, the symptoms of RSV generally appear in stages, typically beginning four to six days after exposure. Initial signs often resemble a common head cold, including a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a decreased appetite. Over the next few days, the infection can settle into the lower respiratory tract, producing more noticeable and persistent symptoms.
One of the distinguishing features of RSV in this age group is a deep, persistent cough that can linger for one to two weeks, which is often more severe than a typical cold cough. RSV is more likely than a common cold to cause wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound heard when breathing out. Fatigue and a mild to moderate fever can also be present, sometimes lasting longer than the fever associated with other upper respiratory infections.
Unlike in infants, where RSV frequently causes bronchiolitis, the infection in teenagers often remains an upper respiratory illness. The combination of a persistent cough and significant fatigue helps differentiate RSV from the many other viruses that cause cold-like symptoms. The symptoms may last for up to two weeks, with the cough sometimes persisting even after other signs of illness have resolved.
When Medical Attention is Necessary
For most healthy teenagers, managing an RSV infection involves supportive care at home, similar to treating a common cold. This includes encouraging rest, ensuring sufficient fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and using over-the-counter fever reducers or pain relievers as needed. The body’s immune system typically clears the infection within a couple of weeks, as there is no specific antiviral treatment routinely recommended for this age group.
Despite the generally mild course of illness, certain signs indicate the need for prompt medical attention. Parents should seek care if the teenager is experiencing difficulty breathing, which may manifest as rapid or shallow breaths, or if they are using their chest muscles to pull air in. A persistent high fever that does not respond to medication, or symptoms that worsen instead of improving after the first week, also warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Immediate emergency care is necessary if the teenager’s lips or nail beds develop a bluish tint, which signals reduced oxygen in the blood.