Key Facts
Globally, RSV affects an estimated 64 million people and causes 160,000 deaths each year.
RSV is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms in children and older adults.
The peak season for RSV infection in the United States is fall through spring.
The elderly and adults with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems are at high risk for developing severe RSV.
People do not form long-lasting immunity to RSV and can become infected repeatedly over their lifetime.
Click on image to view a full Infographic from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
What Causes RSV?
RSV is spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected via secretions from coughing and sneezing or touching objects such as toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them.
It takes between two and eight days from the time of exposure for someone to become ill. The illness normally lasts three to seven days, and it is during this time that those infected are most contagious.
What Are the Symptoms of RSV?
Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough, and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties. Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days.
A barking or wheezing cough can be one of the first signs of a more serious illness. In these instances, the virus has spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the small airways entering the lungs. This can lead to pneumonia or bronchitis.
How RSV Is Diagnosed
Because mild RSV symptoms are similar to the common cold, testing usually isn't required to diagnose the infection. However, your doctor may suspect RSV based on your medical history, time of year and a physical exam. In this case, they may want to run lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common is a mouth swab or a blood test to check white blood cell counts and look for viruses.
Because mild RSV symptoms are similar to the common cold, testing usually isn't required to diagnose the infection. However, your doctor may suspect RSV based on your medical history, time of year and a physical exam. In this case, they may want to run lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common is a mouth swab or a blood test to check white blood cell counts and look for viruses.
How RSV Is Treated
Mild RSV infections will go away in a week or two without treatment. You can use over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers to manage your symptoms. Check with your doctor if you are not sure if an over-the-counter product is safe to give to your child. Your doctor may also suggest nasal saline drops or suctioning to clear a stuffy nose. Supportive care such as staying hydrated and comfortable is also helpful.
RSV Prevention
RSV is highly contagious. So, there are some steps you should take to prevent its spread. The most effective means of protection are some of the simplest, such as:
Avoiding close contact with infected people
Avoiding sharing cups, bottles or toys that may have been contaminated with the virus since the virus can live on surfaces for several hours
Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after coming into contact with an infected person
Research
Researchers are working to develop a vaccine, but currently, there is nothing available for public use. In collaboration with Pfizer, Great Lakes Clinical Trials will soon be initiating a clinical trial for an RSV vaccine. The expected start date is early October 2021. If you are interested in learning more and being contacted about this upcoming study, visit our RSV Study Webpage to sign up!
Note: Information above provided by the American Lung Association (lung.org)