Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can sometimes lead to serious illness.

At Banner Health, our goal is to help you understand RSV and how to keep yourself and your family safe. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself or a family member, we have you covered.

What is RSV?

RSV is a common infection of the lungs and breathing passages, known as the respiratory tract. It can cause mild, cold-like symptoms but can be serious for certain groups.

When you have RSV, the virus enters your respiratory tract and causes swelling and inflammation in your lungs. This inflammation can make it harder for air to flow in and out of your lungs. 

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children under age 1. These conditions can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing and decreased oxygen levels. They may also require medical attention and hospitalization.

Who is at risk for severe RSV infections?

While anyone can get RSV, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness:

• Infants and young children: Especially those under 12 months or with conditions like premature birth, congenital heart disease, asthma or chronic lung disease.
• Older adults: Especially those over 60 or with underlying health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and heart disease.
• People with weakened immune systems: Including those undergoing chemotherapy or other conditions that weaken the immune system. 

How does RSV spread?

RSV is very contagious. You can easily spread the virus while you have symptoms, about three to eight days after symptoms develop.

RSV spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Touching someone who has RSV, such as shaking hands and hugging, can spread the virus. You can also get it by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth. 

RSV season occurs in the fall and winter months but can be seen year-round. Because it is very contagious, RSV can spread quickly in places like childcare centers and schools.

What are common symptoms of RSV?

RSV symptoms usually appear four to six days after exposure to the virus and may last one to two weeks. These symptoms can vary and may include:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough (might sound tight or like a seal barking)
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Loss of appetite (in infants, refusing to breastfeed or bottle-feed)
• Lack of energy

When should you seek medical attention for RSV?

Most RSV infections are mild and can be treated at home. However, seek medical attention from an urgent care or emergency department if you or your child experience:

• Trouble breathing: Whistling or wheezing noise, flaring of the nostrils while breathing; blue or gray color to the lips, skin or fingernails; short, shallow or fast breaths or pauses in breathing.
• Dehydration: Signs include dry mouth, lack of tears when crying and fewer than one wet diaper every eight hours.
• High fever: In babies under 3 months, any fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) needs prompt medical evaluation. In older children or adults, a fever ≥103°F (39.4°C) or one that doesn’t go down with medication can be a concern. 
• Worsening symptoms: If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days.

How is RSV diagnosed?

If you suspect you or your child has RSV, it is important to see a health care provider. They can diagnose RSV through a physical exam and by listening to the lungs. In some cases, they may perform tests such as:

• Nasal swab test to check your mucus for RSV
• Pulse oximetry to check blood oxygen levels 
• Chest X-ray to look for lung congestion

How is RSV treated?

There is no specific treatment for RSV. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home. Here are some ways to help ease symptoms of respiratory illness: 

• Rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help reduce fever and ease pain. Always speak with a health care provider before giving any medication to young children. 
• Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier to make breathing easier and reduce coughing.
• Use saline nasal drops or sprays to loosen a stuffy nose.
• Use gentle suctioning to help clear mucus from the baby’s nose before feedings.

For severe cases, hospitalization may be required. This may include oxygen therapy, IV fluids and a breathing machine (ventilator). In some cases, medicines may be given to help open air passages in the lungs (bronchodilators) or kill infections caused by viruses (antiviral medication).

What are the complications of RSV?

While most people recover fully from RSV, it can lead to severe complications, particularly in individuals with heart or lung disease or other risk factors. These complications may include:

• Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs that can cause severe breathing problems.
• Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can be serious and require hospitalization.
• Middle ear infection: RSV can lead to ear infections, especially in babies and young children.
• Asthma: Severe RSV in early childhood may be linked to an increased risk of developing asthma later in life. 

How to protect yourself and your family from RSV

While RSV often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can cause severe lung infections in some groups of people. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from RSV:

• Wash your hands: Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze to stop the spread of germs.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces: Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often, like doorknobs, toys and remote controls. 
• Avoid close contact with sick people: If someone is sick, keep a safe distance. If you are sick, stay home and avoid close contact with others.
• Don’t share personal items: Do not share cups, utensils or towels with others, especially if someone is sick.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke: Avoid smoking or being around smoke to keep your lungs healthy and reduce your risk of infections like RSV.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccinations help prevent RSV and other viruses like the flu (influenza), whooping cough and COVID-19. Stay up-to-date on your immunizations, especially if you or your loved ones are high-risk. 

RSV vaccines and antibody treatments: What you should know

Vaccines and antibodies are available to help protect the most vulnerable. 

Adults 

• Three vaccines are approved: Arexvy (GSK), Abrysvo (Pfizer) and mRESVIA (Moderna). 
• Who should get them? Adults 75+ and adults 50+ who are at higher risk for severe RSV illness. 
• One dose is given to help reduce the risk of hospitalization and serious infection. 

During pregnancy 

• Abrysvo can be given between 32–36 weeks of pregnancy. 
• This helps pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth. 

Infants and young children 

• Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and Clesrovimab (Enflonsia) are long-acting monoclonal antibodies. 
• These are one-time shots given to babies under 8 months before or during RSV season. 
• Nirsevimab is also recommended for some children 8–19 months at higher risk going into their second RSV season.  

Talk to your health care provider about which option is right for you or your child.

Why choose Banner Health for RSV care

At Banner Health, we're committed to providing expert care and up-to-date information to help protect you and your loved ones from RSV and other respiratory illnesses. Our team is here to support you with preventive care, diagnostics and treatment options tailored to your needs. 

Find a Banner Health location near you or schedule an appointment.