Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is a widespread respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It is so common that nearly all children will have been infected with it by their second birthday. While RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can lead to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, and pneumonia, a lung infection, especially in certain populations. This virus spreads easily, particularly during the fall and winter months, often peaking in December and January.
Recognizing RSV Symptoms
Symptoms of RSV infection appear four to six days after exposure to the virus. In most healthy adults and older children, RSV causes mild, common cold-like symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. These symptoms develop slowly over several days and improve within one to two weeks.
However, RSV can cause more severe symptoms, particularly in infants and young children. Early signs in infants include irritability, decreased activity, or reduced eating and drinking. As the illness progresses, a cough can develop, leading to wheezing or difficulty breathing. More serious indicators of RSV include severe coughing, rapid or shallow breathing, visible chest muscle retractions, flaring nostrils, and a bluish tint around the lips or fingernails, which signals a lack of oxygen. Infants under six months can also experience apnea (pauses in breathing lasting more than 10 seconds), and many may not have a fever.
Who is Most Vulnerable to RSV
While RSV can affect people of all ages, certain groups face a higher risk of developing severe illness requiring hospitalization. Infants, especially those younger than 6 months and premature babies, are highly susceptible because their immune systems are still developing and their airways are smaller, making them more prone to inflammation. Approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 infants under 6 months are hospitalized with RSV annually.
Children with underlying health conditions, such as chronic lung diseases like asthma or congenital heart disease, are also at increased risk for severe RSV. Similarly, individuals with weakened immune systems, regardless of age, are more likely to experience severe complications, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, are also highly vulnerable, with RSV leading to a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths in this population each year, particularly if they have existing heart or lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure.
Managing RSV Infection
There is no specific cure for RSV, so treatment focuses on supportive care to ease symptoms and help the body recover. This includes keeping the person hydrated by offering plenty of fluids, managing fever with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, and clearing nasal congestion with saline nasal drops and gentle suctioning. Creating moist air with a cool-mist humidifier can also help alleviate congestion and coughing.
It is important to monitor symptoms closely and know when to seek medical attention. Immediate medical care is necessary if an infant or high-risk individual experiences difficulty breathing, rapid or shallow breathing, a bluish tint to the lips or skin, signs of dehydration, or unusual lethargy and unresponsiveness. In some cases, a healthcare provider may perform a nasal swab to test for the virus or a chest X-ray to check for lung inflammation. Hospitalization may be required for severe infections, where treatments such as intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, or mechanical ventilation can be provided.
Protecting Against RSV
Preventing RSV infection and its spread involves a combination of hygiene practices and specific medical interventions. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is important. Avoiding touching the face helps prevent the virus from entering the body.
Limiting exposure to the virus is beneficial; individuals who are sick should stay home, and close contact with infected people should be avoided. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and countertops can help reduce transmission. For high-risk infants, a monoclonal antibody injection provides passive immunity and reduces the risk of severe RSV illness. This single dose protects infants for five months. Additionally, RSV vaccines are now available for pregnant individuals to provide protective antibodies to the newborn, and for older adults to prevent severe disease.