Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, RSV can lead to severe disease, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults. The virus is responsible for significant hospitalizations each year across these vulnerable groups.
Essential Personal Hygiene and Home Sanitation
Controlling the spread of RSV begins with consistent hygiene practices. Frequent handwashing is the most effective strategy for reducing transmission. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Practicing respiratory etiquette prevents the spread of viral droplets. When coughing or sneezing, individuals should use a tissue or the inside of their elbow to cover the mouth and nose, immediately disposing of used tissues.
The RSV virus can survive on hard surfaces for several hours, making environmental cleanliness necessary. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch objects is important, including doorknobs, light switches, and children’s toys. EPA-registered disinfectants must be used according to the manufacturer’s specified contact time. Avoid sharing eating utensils or drinking cups with anyone who is sick.
Strategies for Limiting External Exposure
Managing social interactions is important for reducing the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. A primary precaution is avoiding close contact with individuals who exhibit cold-like symptoms. Keeping a physical distance from people who are ill minimizes exposure to infectious respiratory droplets.
If a household member develops symptoms, self-isolation is recommended to prevent community transmission. Individuals who are feeling unwell should stay home from work, school, or public places until they are recovered. This measure protects those at higher risk of severe illness.
Parents of newborns and young infants should be cautious about visitors during peak RSV season. Limiting time spent in crowded indoor spaces reduces the chance of exposure. When visitors are unavoidable, guests should practice strict hand hygiene and defer their visit if they show any signs of illness. Maintaining a smoke-free environment is also protective for children.
Proactive Medical Interventions
Modern medicine provides specific tools to enhance the body’s protection against severe RSV disease.
Protection for Adults
Vaccines are available and recommended for adults aged 60 and older, especially those 75 and older or those aged 60 to 74 with underlying medical conditions such as chronic heart or lung disease. These vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to produce its own protective antibodies, a process known as active immunity. The RSV vaccine is given as a single dose and is not an annual shot, offering measurable protection for at least two seasons. Real-world data has demonstrated a high degree of effectiveness, reducing the risk of RSV-associated hospitalization in adults 60 and older by 73% to 83%.
Protection for Infants
Protection for newborns can be established either through maternal immunization or direct administration of antibodies. Pregnant individuals are recommended to receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation, ideally during the RSV season. The maternal vaccine prompts the pregnant person’s body to create antibodies that are then passed through the placenta to the fetus. This provides the newborn with protection from birth through their first six months of life. This intervention has been shown to reduce the risk of severe infant outcomes by approximately 70% to 82%.
Alternatively, infants can be protected using a monoclonal antibody injection, which confers passive immunity by directly supplying pre-made antibodies. The newer, long-acting monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab (Beyfortus), is recommended for all infants under eight months born during or entering their first RSV season. This single injection provides protection that lasts for the entire season. This differs significantly from the older monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, which required five monthly injections to maintain antibody levels. Generally, an infant is recommended to receive either the protection passed from the maternal vaccine or the infant antibody shot, but not both.