Infection usually causes mild or moderately severe upper respiratory illness.
In general, once laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV infection are identified in a hospital, a presumptive diagnosis of RSV infection in subsequent cases with manifestations suggestive of RSV infection may be acceptable for infection control purposes. Potential sources include patients, hospital staff, and visitors. In theory, strict handwashing should prevent most nosocomial RSV infections. Thus, other preventive measures are usually relied upon to prevent RSV infection. Gloving has helped decrease transmission probably because gloves remind patient-care personnel to comply with handwashing and other precautions, and deter persons from touching their eyes or noses.