What Is RSV? Symptoms, Contagiousness and When to Seek Care

RSV can disguise itself as the common cold but lead to severe illness in infants, toddlers and older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants.

"The majority of which don’t have any major risk factors," says Andrew Sims, DO, UnityPoint Health.

Know the warning signs of this virus to ensure you get the care you, or your child, need before the virus progresses.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs.

What are RSV Symptoms in Kids?

RSV in babies and children may produce a more severe form of the illness where symptoms appear almost like an asthma attack with wheezing and shortness of breath. 

"One of the warning signs that your child should be seen by a provider is when they’re working too hard to breathe. You can see the skin between their ribs pulling (retracting) in with each breath," Dr. Sims says.

Other RSV symptoms in babies, before the virus becomes severe, may include:

• Cough
• Irritability
• Less activity
• Loss of appetite or taking in less fluids
• Runny nose

How to Treat RSV in Children

If your child is showing symptoms of RSV, Dr. Sims says, "Use a few drops of nasal saline in each nostril before suctioning with a bulb syringe. It can really help to clear the airway of infants during a cold. The best times to suction are before feedings and naps. If you’re not sure about how to suction, bring your suction device to your next appointment and ask your pediatrician to walk you through it."

It's also recommended to keep your child hydrated if they have RSV.

Can Adults Get RSV?

Yes, adults can get RSV. A runny nose, sore throat, cough and headache are usually the first signs of RSV in adults. Symptoms are typically mild. It’s time to head to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Bluish tint to your skin
• Cough that’s getting worse
• Fever greater than 104°F
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

How Long is RSV Contagious?

The RSV contagious period is 3 – 8 days, beginning up to two days before an individual starts showing symptoms of having the virus.

The virus, itself, is highly contagious as it can be spread through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be transferred from doorknobs, counter tops, clothing or skin-to-skin contact.

"The RSV season usually starts in October or November and goes into the springtime," Dr. Sims says.

Many of the RSV waves occur in daycare centers.

Preventing RSV

Infants and babies are severely affected by RSV. Infections typically occur in epidemics, often occurring in daycares. It's recommended that you keep your newborn away from others as much as possible to reduce their exposure to respiratory viruses. RSV immunization is available for infants and pregnant women at 32–36 weeks during RSV season, which protects the baby after birth.

What is the RSV Monoclonal Antibody?

"A long-acting, single dose of RSV antibody is recommended for babies under eight months during their first RSV season, ideally within the first week of life for babies born during the season, unless the mother received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. This provides protection throughout the RSV season," Dr. Sims says.

Additionally, an RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older and for adults 50–74 at increased risk of severe RSV.

"Most people don’t appreciate that RSV causes significant illness in adults. We all think of it as a baby thing, but if you look at how many people die from it, it’s the elderly. Talk to your physician, especially if you’re at increased risk of disease," Dr. Sims says.

"The safety and efficacy for the vaccine is quite well proven. It also reduces hospitalization substantially and has a well-studied safety profile; most side effects are mild," he adds.

In addition to the vaccine, frequent handwashing can go a long way in preventing the virus from spreading. Be especially conscious of washing your hands after coming into contact with someone who has any cold symptoms. Always keep newborn babies and at-risk kids away from children who may be ill.

When to Call Your Doctor About RSV

If you, or your baby, have RSV, it’s important to contact your doctor about any of the following:

• Decreased activity
• High fever
• Prolonged illness
• Retracting of skin between ribs
• Wheezing or seems to be working harder to breathe

RSV is common, but it can become serious for infants, young children and older adults. Knowing the warning signs, staying up to date on recommended RSV immunizations and seeking care early when symptoms worsen can help protect you and your family.

If you have questions about RSV symptoms, vaccines or treatment, connect with a UnityPoint Health provider or check MyUnityPoint, our patient app, for same-day appointments. If no appointments are available, you can save your spot online at your closest walk-in care clinic. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, visit your nearest emergency room.

RSV Explained Infographic