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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that often causes mild, cold-like symptoms but may result in severe illness in some people.

RSV spreads through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people when they cough and sneeze. RSV can also spread through dried mucus or saliva (spit) on bedding and similar items.

Like influenza (flu), RSV infections are most common in the fall and winter months.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin four to six days after exposure and develop slowly over several days. People are usually contagious 10 days after symptoms begin. Most people recover in one to two weeks. Symptoms, particularly cough, can persist for a few days to several weeks.

Symptoms of RSV often include:

  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Decrease in appetite

In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite and breathing difficulties.

RSV infection can cause pneumonia, especially in the very young, the very old or those who have weakened immune systems.

People at Risk of Infection

Anyone can be infected, but RSV can be serious, especially in infants and older adults. People at the highest risk of severe symptoms include:

  • Infants, especially those born premature and those six months and younger
  • Children younger than two years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
  • Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
  • People with weakened immune systems

It is possible to get RSV again after recovering from an RSV infection.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent RSV, but there are several ways you can decrease your risk of getting and spreading RSV and other respiratory viruses:
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with people at increased risk for severe infection.
  • Get tested for flu, COVID-19 and RSV, as appropriate, if you have symptoms.
  • Wear a face mask.
  • Get an annual flu shot and stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

Parents of young children should be careful to wash their own hands and their children’s hands often and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep children who are sick home from school.

Doctors may prescribe a medication called Pavilizumab (Synagis) to infants and young children with certain underlying health conditions who are at high risk of severe RSV infection.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose RSV based on the appearance of typical symptoms during times of the year when it is known to be spreading. Doctors recommend specific laboratory tests in cases of severe illness and in special outbreak investigations.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for RSV infection. If you or your child have severe symptoms that might be caused by RSV, seek medical attention. Health care providers can provide supportive care.

If you do not have a health care provider, call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) to be connected to NYC Health + Hospitals. Care is available in NYC regardless of immigration status, insurance or ability to pay. If it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital.

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