RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a highly contagious seasonal virus that infects the respiratory tract. Although RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions and/or a weakened immune system.
RSV leads to approximately 2.1 million outpatient (non-hospitalization) visits and 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations in children younger than 5 years old each year in the U.S. Older adults are also significantly impacted. In the US each year, RSV is estimated to lead to 100,000-150,000 hospitalizations among adults 60 years and older.
RSV is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. It may also be spread through exposure to surfaces and objects contaminated with RSV.
Once infected, it takes about 4-6 days for symptoms to appear. An infected person is contagious for about 3-8 days, but infants and people with weakened immune systems may be able to pass the virus to others for up to 4 weeks, even if their symptoms have resolved.
Childcare centers and schools are common places for exposure and reinfection.
Symptoms of RSV generally include:
These symptoms typically appear in stages, not all at once. In very young infants infected with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and trouble breathing.
Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can cause more severe infections, especially in those at high risk. These infections include bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).
The best way to prevent RSV is to keep up to date on recommended vaccines.
To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, either maternal RSV vaccination or infant immunization with the RSV monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) is recommended. Most infants will not need both.
Additional tips to protect yourself and others:
There are three RSV vaccines licensed for use in the United States:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an RSV vaccine for everyone 75 years of age and older and for those aged 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Some conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV include chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic lung or respiratory disease, chronic liver disease, end-stage renal disease or dependence on hemodialysis or other renal replacement therapy, diabetes mellitus complicated by chronic kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, or other end-organ damage, or requiring treatment with insulin or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and others.
The CDC also recommends the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, to women who are between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January in most of the U.S. [NOTE: If you have already received the RSV vaccine during a previous pregnancy, the CDC does not currently recommend receiving another dose. Instead, the baby should receive nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody (mentioned in the prevention section)].
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance of RSV. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/php/surveillance/index.html. Posted August 30, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About RSV. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/index.html. Posted August 30, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How RSV Spreads. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html. Posted August 30, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms and Care of RSV. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/symptoms/index.html. Posted August 30, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV. Immunizations to Protect Infants. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/protect-infants.html. Posted August 30, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV. RSV in Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/older-adults/index.html. Posted August 30, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
GSK Biologicals. Arexvy Package Insert. https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Arexvy/pdf/AREXVY.PDF. Durham, NC: Revised August 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Pfizer Labs. Abrysvo Package Insert. https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=19589. New York, NY: Revised October 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
Moderna. mResvia Package Insert. https://products.modernatx.com/mresviapro?gad_source=1. Princeton, NJ: Revised October 4, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024.
These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.