RSV Spreads Easily, Poses Significant Risk to Infants and Older Adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be serious for infants, young children, and older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding how the virus spreads and who is most vulnerable is crucial for public health as we head into the typical RSV season.
RSV can spread in several ways, including when an infected person coughs or sneezes nearby, through direct contact such as kissing a child with RSV, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face before washing your hands. The virus can survive for several hours on hard surfaces like tables and crib rails, and for shorter periods on soft surfaces like tissues and hands. This ease of transmission means one infected person can potentially spread the virus to three others.
Most people experience RSV symptoms within 4 to 6 days after infection. These symptoms often include a runny nose, congestion, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, and fever, and may appear in stages. In extremely young infants, symptoms can be more subtle, presenting as irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
While most RSV infections resolve on their own within a week or two, the virus can exacerbate underlying lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Individuals with these conditions may require treatment for asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups. The CDC notes that people with RSV infection and COPD or asthma may need treatment for asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups.
There is currently no routinely recommended antiviral medication to fight RSV, but symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications. It’s significant to stay hydrated and talk to a healthcare provider about appropriate medications, especially for children and older adults who may have other health concerns. For children, some medicines contain ingredients that are not excellent for children or may interfere with prescription medicines.
The CDC recommends seeking emergency care if you or your child are experiencing difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or if symptoms worsen. Vaccines are now available to protect adults ages 50 and older against RSV, and immunizations are available to protect infants from severe illness. More information about RSV, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment, can be found on the CDC website.
RSV season typically begins in the fall and peaks in the winter. The CDC provides information on symptoms and care and details on how the virus spreads.
