Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and respiratory system. Almost all children catch it before they turn 2, and it can also infect adults. Most of the time, RSV causes mild symptoms similar to a cold in healthy adults and older kids. Usually, taking care of yourself at home is enough to feel better.
RSV can be more serious in certain people, such as babies under 12 months old, especially premature babies, older adults, individuals with heart or lung problems, or those with weakened immune systems. In these cases, RSV can lead to severe infections, so it’s important to be cautious and seek medical help if needed.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually shows symptoms around four to six days after you’ve been exposed to it. For adults and older kids, it’s mostly like having a mild cold. Here’s what you might feel:
- Your nose might feel stuffed up or runny.
- You might have a dry cough.
- You could have a slight fever, but not too high.
- Your throat might feel sore.
- You might find yourself sneezing a lot.
- Sometimes, you might get a headache too.
These are common signs that you might have caught RSV. It’s similar to getting a cold, but it’s caused by a specific virus called RSV.
In Severe Cases:
- Fever: When the body temperature goes up.
- Bad cough: A strong cough that’s hard to shake off.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched sound when breathing out.
- Difficulty breathing: Breathing might become fast or hard, and the person might sit up to breathe better.
- Bluish skin: This happens when there’s not enough oxygen in the blood.
Babies are the most affected by RSV. In infants, you might see:
- Fast, shallow breathing: They might struggle to breathe, and you might notice their chest and skin sinking in with each breath.
- Coughing: Babies might cough a lot.
- Not feeding well: They might not eat as much as usual.
- Tiredness: They might seem unusually sleepy or weak.
- Irritability: Babies might be fussier than usual.
Most people, including children and adults, get better in a week or two. But some might continue to wheeze afterwards. Babies born prematurely or those with heart or lung problems are at higher risk of severe RSV that needs hospital treatment.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are both types of respiratory viruses, so they can cause similar symptoms. In kids, COVID-19 usually leads to mild symptoms like fever, runny nose, and cough, while adults might experience more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing.
Having RSV might weaken the body’s immunity and increase the chances of catching COVID-19, for both kids and adults. Sometimes, these infections can happen at the same time, making the COVID-19 illness worse.
If you’re showing signs of a respiratory illness, your doctor might suggest testing for COVID-19 to be sure. It’s essential to stay vigilant and seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your health.
When to see a doctor?
If your child or someone who might be seriously affected by RSV gets a high fever, finds it hard to breathe, or their skin looks blue, especially around the lips and nails, you should go to the doctor right away.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Causes
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gets into your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. It spreads easily through the air when someone with RSV coughs or sneezes near you. You or your child can catch it this way. Also, if you touch something with the virus on it, like a toy or countertop, and then touch your face, you can get infected.
The virus can stay alive for hours on surfaces like countertops, crib rails, and toys. If you touch these things and then touch your face, you can pick up the virus.
People with RSV are most contagious during the first week of being infected. But even after symptoms go away, they can still spread the virus for up to four weeks, especially in babies and those with weak immune systems. So it’s important to be cautious even if someone seems better.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Risk factors
Most kids catch a virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by age 2, and they can get it again. If kids go to daycare or have siblings in school, they’re more likely to catch it. RSV usually spreads from fall to spring.
Some people can get really sick from RSV, like:
- Babies born early or under 6 months old
- Kids with heart or lung problems since birth
- People with weak immune systems from cancer or its treatment
- Kids with muscle problems like muscular dystrophy
- Adults with heart or lung issues
- Seniors, especially those 65 and older
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Complications
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to various complications:
- Hospitalization: In severe cases, RSV may require a hospital stay for monitoring, treatment of breathing issues, and receiving fluids through an IV.
- Pneumonia RSV is a common cause of lung inflammation (pneumonia) or bronchiolitis in infants, which can be serious, especially in vulnerable groups like infants, young children, older adults, or those with underlying health conditions.
- Middle Ear Infection: RSV can lead to middle ear infections, particularly in babies and young children, when germs enter the space behind the eardrum.
- Asthma Severe RSV infections in children may increase the risk of developing asthma later in life.
- Repeated Infections: Once you’ve had RSV, you can get infected again, even during the same RSV season. While subsequent infections may not be as severe, they can still pose risks, especially for older adults or individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions. Symptoms might resemble those of a common cold but can be serious in certain groups.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventions
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can infect anyone, but it’s more dangerous for premature babies, young infants, and older adults with heart or lung issues or a weak immune system.
There are two main ways to protect babies and high-risk young children from severe RSV:
- Antibody product: There’s a shot called nirsevimab (Beyfortus) that helps prevent RSV. It’s given to babies younger than 8 months before or during RSV season. It can also be given to kids 8 to 19 months old who are at higher risk of severe RSV. This shot is given only once.
- Vaccine for pregnant people: Pregnant individuals can get a vaccine called Abrysvo to prevent RSV in babies from birth to 6 months old. It’s a single shot given sometime between 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, from September to January in the U.S.
Vaccine for older adults
As you get older, your immune system might not be as strong, especially if you have health issues like heart or lung problems. To help stop RSV infections, the FDA has given the green light to vaccines for people aged 60 and up.
The CDC suggests that if you’re 60 or older, you should chat with your doctor about getting vaccinated against RSV, especially if you’re more likely to get seriously sick from it. There are two vaccines available: Abrysvo and Arexvy. The CDC doesn’t favor one over the other. Both are given in a single shot.
It’s essential to talk with your healthcare team about whether getting an RSV vaccine is right for you. They can explain the pros and cons based on your health situation.
Lifestyle tips
Here are few tips that you should add in your daily lifestyle:
- Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. It’s important to teach kids to do this too.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to prevent spreading sickness. Try to keep babies away from people who are sick.
- Keep things clean around the house. Make sure to wipe down kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and doorknobs regularly. Throw used tissues away right after using them.
- Avoid sharing drinking glasses, especially when someone is sick. Each person should have their own cup, and it’s a good idea to label them.
- Don’t smoke indoors or around babies. Babies who are around tobacco smoke can get sicker from certain infections like RSV.
- Wash toys often, especially when a child is sick or has been playing with other kids who are sick. This helps to keep germs from spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What is RSV, and who does it affect?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that affects the lungs and respiratory system. Almost all children catch it before age 2, and it can also infect adults. While it usually causes mild symptoms similar to a cold, it can be more serious in certain groups, like babies under 12 months old, older adults, and those with health issues.
Q2: What are the symptoms of RSV?
RSV symptoms are similar to a cold and include a stuffed or runny nose, dry cough, slight fever, sore throat, sneezing, and sometimes a headache. In severe cases, symptoms may include fever, bad cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and bluish skin.
Q3: How is RSV different from COVID-19?
RSV and COVID-19 are both respiratory viruses with similar symptoms. While COVID-19 can lead to more severe symptoms in adults, RSV is often milder. However, having RSV can weaken the body’s immunity, making it easier to catch COVID-19 or worsen its effects if both infections occur together.
Q4: When should I see a doctor for RSV?
If someone at risk of severe RSV, such as a young baby or someone with health issues, develops a high fever, difficulty breathing, or bluish skin, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
Q5: How does RSV spread?
RSV spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Infected individuals can be contagious for up to four weeks, even after symptoms subside.