Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, is not a new virus; it has been around at least since the mid-1950s. Most children have had an RSV infection by the time they turn two. You can become infected with RSV multiple times throughout life.
Anyone can get RSV at any age. When RSV becomes severe, it can require hospitalization and may even cause death.
RSV is common and can be mistaken for flu or COVID-19 respiratory viruses because symptoms are similar. Like other viruses, RSV is widespread in fall and winter months when people tend to gather indoors.
Symptoms of RSV
This viral infection primarily affects the lungs but you may notice symptoms affecting your nose and throat, as well. Symptoms appear within four to six days of exposure. They may include any of the following, although these symptoms usually do not all appear at once.
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Decreased appetite
A baby who is sick with RSV may have these additional symptoms:
- Pauses in breathing that last for more than 10 seconds (called apnea)
- Being fussy or irritable
- Decreased activity
- Reduced appetite
Preventing RSV
It is important to avoid spreading RSV because vulnerable individuals — babies, young children, older adults — can get seriously ill or even die from it.
Like other respiratory viruses, RSV is airborne and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live for many hours on surfaces like doorknobs or elevator buttons. You can get sick if you touch an infected surface and then, touch your face without sanitizing or washing your hands. Direct contact, like touching the face of a person who has RSV, also spreads the virus.
You can be contagious and spread RSV a few days before you have symptoms, and you are contagious for around three to eight days.
How to Avoid Spreading RSV
- If you are sick, stay home if possible, and avoid others as much as you can.
- Cover your cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Vaccinations for RSV
Vaccinations can protect the most vulnerable people from getting severely ill or hospitalized from RSV.
Talk with your doctor or clinician to find out which option is best for you, a child or infant or an older adult family member. The CDC recommends the following.
RSV Vaccination for Adults
- All adults ages 75 and older
- Adults ages 60 to 74 who have chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, severe diabetes or obesity
- Adults ages 60 to 74 who live in a long-term care facility or nursing home
The RSV vaccine’s protection lasts two winter seasons, so adults do not need it every year.
Please check the specific recommendations for pregnant women, babies and children below.
RSV Vaccination for Pregnant Women
- The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for pregnant women to protect their babies from severe RSV disease.
- Pregnant women should get a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. These vaccines are administered September through January in most of the U.S.
- There is no need to get another RSV vaccination in subsequent pregnancies.
RSV Protection for Babies
Babies are at particular risk for complications from RSV.
RSV Protection for Babies Younger Than Age Eight Months
- The CDC recommends that all babies be protected from severe RSV with one of two immunization options:
- A maternal RSV vaccine given to the mother during pregnancy — or —
- An RSV antibody given to the baby
- An RSV antibody (nirsevimab) is recommended for all babies younger than age 8 months born to mothers who did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) during pregnancy.
- Babies should get a dose of nirsevimab shortly before the RSV season or within one week after birth if born October to March in most of the U.S.
RSV Protection for Children Ages Eight Months to 19 Months
The CDC also recommend nirsevimab for a small group of children ages eight months through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV. Just before the child’s second RSV season, they should get a dose of nirsevimab.
This group of children includes:
- Children who were born prematurely and have chronic lung disease
- Children who are severely immunocompromised
- Children with severe cystic fibrosis
- American Indian and Alaska Native children
Vaccination Side Effects
After getting an RSV vaccination, you may experience these common side effects:
- Pain, redness and swelling at the site of the shot
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the muscles or joints
A severe allergic reaction can happen. If you have any of the following symptoms after an RSV vaccination, call 911.
- Hives
- Swelling of face and throat
- Trouble breathing
- Heartbeat too fast
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling weak
Serious (but not common) side effects include the following. They were reported during RSV vaccine clinical trials, but it was not clear if they were related to vaccination.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (older adults)
- Premature birth in pregnant women
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
Where to Get an RSV Vaccination
Talk with your primary care doctor or clinician for recommendations appropriate for the patient’s personal medical history, health conditions, pregnancy status and age (age 60+, infant, child).
RSV vaccination are available in Froedtert Pharmacy locations, no appointment necessary.
Diagnosing RSV
Tests for RSV are not usually given to otherwise healthy adults who experience mild symptoms. However, if you have moderate or severe symptoms, your doctor or clinician can order tests.
Tests are typically ordered for the very young (children between age six months and two years), the elderly, and people who have weakened immune systems. Your doctor may also order influenza, COVID or strep tests to find out if another infection is causing your symptoms.
Treatment for RSV
If your symptoms are getting worse, you need care urgently. Call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency department if you, an infant, child or older adult:
- Have symptoms that are getting worse
- Are having trouble breathing
- Are having a hard time drinking enough fluids
If you think you have RSV, call your doctor. Froedtert & MCW doctors and clinicians are experienced in recognizing the symptoms of RSV. They will recommend over-the-counter medications if symptoms are not severe. They may recommend another course of action for severe symptoms, depending on the patient’s age and any existing medical conditions.
Your doctor or clinician will ask about your symptoms and their severity and may recommend an in-person or virtual visit if symptoms are not severe.
RSV usually goes away by itself in a week to 10 days. There are no antiviral medications recommended for those with mild or moderate symptoms. You can take over-the-counter medications to control fever and reduce pain and body aches. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. The antiviral medication ribavirin is sometimes used for infants or immunocompromised adults with RSV-associated lower respiratory illness requiring hospitalization.
Do not give adult medications, aspirin or cold medicine to children. Check with your doctor or clinician for medications that are safe for children.
If you become seriously ill with RSV or it leads to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, you may need treatment in the hospital.
Older people and infants younger than age six months are the most susceptible to severe illness. If symptoms are severe enough for hospitalization, treatment may include:
- Oxygen to supplement breathing
- IV fluids if drinking or eating is difficult
- Breathing tube (intubation)
- Mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing
RSV Care Options
Experiencing fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat or other symptoms that may be from RSV? If your symptoms are not severe:
- Virtual Clinic — Log on to speak with a board-certified family medicine doctor or clinician via webcam for $49.
- Same-Day Care — Find locations and wait times.
- Primary Care — Contact your primary care doctor or clinician for an appointment. If you do not have a primary care doctor, we can help you find one.
