Respiratory syncytial virus, also called RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. Most people infected with RSV will experience mild illness and typically recover within one to two weeks. However, infants and young children, older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and immunocompromised people are at higher risk for severe illness from RSV infection. RSV can also lead to more severe infections, such as pneumonia (an infection of the lungs) and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung). It is estimated that RSV causes approximately 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths among older adults.
RSV season generally starts during the fall and peaks in the winter. RSV is very contagious and can spread in several ways: through exposure to respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching a contaminated surface with RSV. People infected with RSV tend to show symptoms within four to six days after exposure. Symptoms of RSV may include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
People infected with RSV are typically contagious for three to eight days and may become contagious a day or two before showing signs of illness. Infants and immunocompromised people infected with RSV can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms for as long as four weeks.
There are various tests available that confirm RSV infection, all of which are administered by a healthcare professional. Contact your local health care provider if you have questions about RSV or RSV testing.
Added June 29, 2023