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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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What is RSV?

baby in a crib with mouth on rail

RSV is a common respiratory virus usually causing mild cold symptoms. Most people recover in 1 -2 weeks, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one and is a cause of severe disease in adults 65+.  Infants, young children and older adults are most at risk. 

Symptoms

Persons with RSV infection typically have fever, cough, wheezing and runny nose. Infants and young children may be irritable, lethargic, feed poorly and have no fever.  Watch for hard breathing in infants, such as nose flaring, noisy or belly breathing.

Relieve symptoms by:    Managing fever & pain • Drink enough fluids • Talking to your healthcare provider 

 

 

Transmission 

  • An infected person coughs or sneezes
  • You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • 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 counter, and then touch your face before washing your hands

 

What is the concern?

 

 

 Resources
 CDPH Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan on RSV "Tips to Protect against Winter Viruses"

 

  

 

Remember:  "HANDS" for prevention

H - Home if Sick

A - Always Cover Coughs, Sneeze 

N - Need Vaccination, Treatment?   

D - Do Wash Your Hands

S - Slip on a Mask

 More from the CDC:
Cover coughs and sneezes with upper shirt sleeve • Wash your hands often with soap and water • Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands • Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs & mobile devices

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

    updated 11/30/22