RSV: When It’s Not Just a Cold

What is RSV?

RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus) is one of the many viruses that cause respiratory illness―nose, throat, and lung illnesses. This virus occurs in the late fall through early spring but can vary in different parts of the country.

Is RSV contagious?

RSV spreads just like a common-cold virus―from one person to another. It enters the body through the nose or eyes or, usually, from:

Direct person-to-person contact with saliva, mucus, or nasal discharge.
Unclean hands (RSV can survive 30 minutes or more on unwashed hands).
Unclean objects or surfaces (RSV can survive up to 6 hours on surfaces, toys, keyboards, door knobs, etc.).

Possible Symptoms

Symptoms can appear 2 to 8 days after contact with RSV. Typically, RSV causes a cold, which may be followed by bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Symptoms generally last an average of 5-7 days.

Cold: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection	Bronchiolitis: Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Cold symptoms may include:	Symptoms may include cold symptoms, plus:
Fever	Fast breathing
Cough (dry or wet sounding)	Flaring of the nostrils
Congestion	Head bobbing with breathing
Runny nose	Rhythmic grunting during breathing
Sneezing	Wheezing
Fussiness and/or Poor feeding	Belly breathing, tugging between the ribs and/or the lower neck.

Some children with RSV may be at increased risk for severe infection. Seek emergency care right away if your child has any:

Symptoms of bronchiolitis (listed above)
Symptoms of dehydration (fewer than 1 wet diaper every 8 hours)
Pauses or difficulty breathing (Watch the child’s rib cage as they inhale. Chest wall retractions happen when a baby must use muscles between the ribs or neck to breathe. It is a sign that they are working harder than normal to breathe.)
Gray or blue color to tongue, lips, or skin
Significantly decreased activity and alertness

How can you protect your children from RSV?

Wash your hands! Just as you would prevent germs at any time, use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
Vaccinate. Keep your children up to date on their immunizations and get the whole family annual flu shots.
Limit your baby’s exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with a cold.
Go germ-free. Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly, and avoid exposing your child to smoke from tobacco or other substances.
Feed your baby breastmilk. It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections.

More information

Source HealthyChildren.org (© Copyright 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for your pediatrician’s medical care and advice. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.