The highest rates of RSV infection happen in infants from about two to eight months of age. While most infections are mild, RSV can cause severe illness in infants who were born premature or who have lung problems. RSV is highly contagious. RSV is usually passed from person to person by contact with infected body fluids from the nose or mouth of someone with a RSV infection. Following exposure, symptoms start within four to six days.
Symptoms range from severe to mild.
In children younger than age three, RSV infections are more severe with lower respiratory tract illness like bronchiolitis. Symptoms include high fever, severe cough, wheezing, abnormally rapid breathing, and difficulty breathing. RSV infections usually last about a week but may be longer. RSV is not treated with antibiotics since these drugs don't work on viruses. There are no vaccines currently to prevent RSV infection.