Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. It is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections in infants, young children, and the elderly. RSV can lead to mild cold-like symptoms in healthy adults but may cause severe lung infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia in infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults.
⚠️ Symptoms of RSV in Different Age Groups
👶 RSV in Infants and Young Children
RSV can be especially dangerous for babies under 6 months and children with underlying conditions like asthma or congenital heart disease.
Common RSV symptoms in infants include:
» Runny nose
» Decreased appetite
» Coughing
» Sneezing
» Fever
» Wheezing
» Irritability
» Difficulty breathing
» Blue lips or fingernails (in severe cases)
Infants may show minimal cold symptoms at first but then develop breathing issues quickly. Apnea (pauses in breathing) is also a possible sign in premature infants.
👩🦳 RSV in Adults and Seniors
In adults, RSV symptoms often resemble those of a common cold.
Mild RSV symptoms in adults:
» Congested or runny nose
» Dry cough
» Low-grade fever
» Sore throat
» Headache
» Fatigue
In older adults or those with chronic diseases, RSV can trigger:
» Bronchitis
» Exacerbation of asthma or COPD
» Pneumonia
» Hospitalization due to respiratory distress
🧪 Causes and Transmission of RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus spreads through:
» Droplets from coughs and sneezes
» Direct contact with contaminated surfaces or hands
» Shared toys, towels, or utensils
RSV can survive for several hours on hard surfaces and spreads very easily in childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes.
People with RSV are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, but infants and immunocompromised individuals may shed the virus for longer.
💊 Treatment for RSV
There is no specific antiviral cure for RSV. Most RSV infections are mild and self-limiting, but supportive care is crucial, especially in high-risk groups.
🏠 Home Treatment for Mild RSV
» Stay hydrated
» Use saline nasal drops
» Use a humidifier
» Fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
» Rest and comfort measures
🏥 Hospitalization May Be Needed For:
» Infants under 6 months
» Severe breathing difficulty
» Low oxygen levels
» Dehydration
» RSV complications like pneumonia
In severe cases, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, or even mechanical ventilation may be required.
🛡️ Prevention of RSV
There’s no RSV vaccine for the general population yet, but preventive strategies can help reduce the spread and severity.
💉 RSV Immunization Options:
» Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) » a monoclonal antibody given to newborns and infants during RSV season
» Palivizumab (Synagis) » monthly shots for high-risk infants and children
» New RSV vaccines for older adults (e.g., Arexvy, Abrysvo) were approved recently for people 60+
🧼 Hygiene and Prevention Tips:
» Wash hands frequently
» Avoid close contact with sick individuals
» Disinfect high-touch surfaces
» Avoid sharing pacifiers, cups, and utensils
» Cover coughs and sneezes
» Keep babies away from crowded areas during RSV season