Immunization Information
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a highly contagious seasonal virus that infects the respiratory tract. It is very common in young children and most will be infected by age two. Although RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions and/or a weakened immune system.
How does RSV spread?
RSV is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. It may also be spread through exposure to surfaces and objects contaminated with RSV.
Once infected, it takes about 4-6 days for symptoms to appear. An infected person is contagious for about 3-8 days, but infants and people with weakened immune systems may be able to pass the virus to others for up to 4 weeks, even if their symptoms have resolved.
Childcare centers and schools are common places for exposure and reinfection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of RSV generally include:
- Runny nose
- Decreased appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
These symptoms typically appear in stages, not all at once. In very young infants infected with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and trouble breathing.
Complications
Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can cause more severe infections, especially in those at high risk. These infections include bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).
Prevention
RSV infections typically begin to increase in late fall, peak in the winter, and drop off in the spring, although it can vary from year to year and in different parts of the country. Protect yourself from infection with the following tips:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Exercise, get plenty of rest and manage stress.
- If you are sick, limit contact with others to prevent spreading it.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough. Immediately throw it away.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and do not share eating utensils, dishes or glasses with others.
Vaccination
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in individuals 60 years of age and older. It is administered as a single dose by intramuscular injection. Arexvy is the first RSV vaccine for older adults to be approved anywhere in the world, and is expected to be available in the US prior to the 2023/2024 respiratory syncytial virus season.
These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.
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