• Introduction:

    Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January although timing can vary from year to year.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January although timing can vary from year to year.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

When to seek emergency care

Call your healthcare professional if you are having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

RSV can be dangerous for infants and older adults

RSV does not usually cause severe illness in healthy adults and children. However, some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized.

RSV can also cause more severe illness such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs). It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

In the most severe cases, a person may require:

  • Additional oxygen,
  • IV fluids if they can't drink enough to stay hydrated, or
  • Intubation (have a breathing tube inserted through the mouth and down to the airway) with mechanical ventilation (a machine to help a person breathe).

In most of these cases, hospitalization lasts only a few days.

RSV Vaccines

What to know

  • RSV vaccines are recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60 – 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV.
  • There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer's Abrysvo) given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.
Information on RSV immunization eligibility, timing, and more.

Vaccines for Older Adults

  • Three RSV vaccines are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults ages 60 and older in the United States.
  • CDC recommends everyone ages 75 and older get an RSV vaccine.
  • CDC recommends adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease get an RSV vaccine.
  • If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.
  • You can get one at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall.

Immunizations to Protect Infants

It is important for your baby to have protection before RSV season, which can begin as early as October and can continue through fall and winter.

  • CDC recommends all babies be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options: A maternal RSV vaccine given to the mother during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to your baby. Most babies do not need both.
  • The maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer's Abrysvo) is given during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. Maternal antibodies protect the baby against RSV for approximately 6 months after birth.
  • An RSV antibody (nirsevimab) can be given to babies and some young children. This antibody provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least 5 months.

Public Health is a part of the Vaccines for Children Program. The program is federally funded and provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.

To schedule an appointment or for more information call (937)225-4550

How RSV Spreads

RSV can spread when:

  • A person who has RSV coughs or sneezes near you
  • You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
  • You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands

Anyone can get RSV, but typically most people get RSV for the first time as an infant or toddler. Nearly all children will get RSV before their second birthday. However, repeat infections may occur throughout life.

Who is at risk?‎

People with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus for 4 weeks or longer, even after they stop showing symptoms. Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or childcare centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.

RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces, such as tables and crib rails. It typically lives on soft surfaces, such as tissues and hands, for shorter amounts of time.

How to prevent spread

Everyone can take actions to help reduce the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses.

  • Practice good hygiene  by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
  • Stay home  and away from others when you are sick.

You can also use additional tools like  masks, physical distancing, and testing.

Symptoms of RSV

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing

These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.

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

Care

Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight RSV. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause serious illness in some people.

Take steps to relieve symptoms

  • Manage fever and pain  with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children.
  • Drink enough fluids.  It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
  • Talk to your healthcare provider  before giving a child non-prescription cold medicine. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for childre
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