CAUSES OF RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, such as through coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through direct contact, for instance, if an infected person kisses a baby on the face. Additionally, touching objects like toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them and then touching your face or eating can lead to infection. RSV can survive for hours on hard surfaces like tables or doorknobs.¹

Individuals with RSV are contagious for three to eight days and may be contagious a day or two before they exhibit symptoms.¹

RSV can cause severe illness. Typically, adults with RSV experience mild cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. However, in some cases, the illness can become severe enough to require hospitalization.²

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild sickness. But it can be dangerous for babies and some young children.³

Almost all infants and/or young children will get RSV at some point. While the symptoms often resemble a common cold, they can sometimes become more severe and even pose a life-threatening risk.³

For pregnant women, an RSV infection can significantly increase the risk of hospitalization and other complications. This risk is even higher if they have pre-existing pulmonary conditions, such as asthma.⁴

SYMPTOMS OF RSV

RSV symptoms closely resemble those of other respiratory viruses like influenza (flu) or COVID-19. Common symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, and wheezing.⁵

In very young babies, the only signs of RSV might be fussiness, reduced activity, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms typically appear 4 to 6 days after infection. Healthy adults might not show many symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. ⁵

Most people with RSV are contagious for 3 to 8 days and recover within 1 to 2 weeks. However, some infants and elderly especially those individuals with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus for up to 4 weeks, even after they feel better.⁵

RSV can impact different age groups in various ways. It might cause mild cold-like symptoms or lead to more severe health issues, depending on the individual's age and overall health.⁶

Irritability or fussiness

Cough

Fever

Lack of interest in activities

Reduced appetite or trouble in feeding

Change in breathing pattern

Runny nose

Coughing & sneezing

Difficulty eating and drinking

Minimal interest in playing

Difficulty swallowing

Change in breathing pattern

Fever

• Noisy breathing
• Flaring of nostrils while breathing
• Blue or gray color of lips, mouth and fingernails
• Abdominal breathing or chest retraction with belly expansion during breathing
• Pauses while breathing
• Short, shallow or rapid breathing

Runny nose

Congestion

Mild headache

Sore throat

Cough

Fatigue

Fever