Respiratory viruses typically experience their highest levels in winter, and this year will likely be no different.
These illnesses, colds and flu, share common symptoms and can ruin your holiday season and beyond. Among the most common respiratory viruses – perhaps we hear less about it – respiratory syncytial virus.
RSV infects the nose, throat and lungs and is often difficult to distinguish from other respiratory viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people usually have mild symptoms and recover within a week or two. But depending on age and certain risk factors, serious complications are possible.
Here’s what you need to know about the virus, including the most common symptoms, who is most susceptible, and the best actions to reduce your risk.
Symptoms
People infected with RSV typically experience symptoms within 4 to 6 days of their infection, according to the CDC. The most common symptoms are:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Decreased appetite
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Fever
Symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. Signs may be apparent in adults, but less noticeable in young infants.
Although RSV usually causes a mild cold-like illness, it can also lead to serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Other symptoms of severe cases include the following, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Wheezing – a high-pitched noise that is usually heard when exhaling (breathing out)
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing: the person may prefer to sit rather than lie down
- Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
RSV in infants
RSV can affect a person of any age, but causes the most problems in the very young, according to Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
According to the CDC, infants who contract RSV may not have significant symptoms and may only experience irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing.
It turns out that most babies were infected at least once before age 2, the Cedars Sinai website says. Babies can also be reinfected with the virus – and the infection can recur at any time in life.
In high-risk babies, RSV can cause serious respiratory illness and pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
How is RSV spread?
According to the CDC, RSV is spread in several ways, including when:
- Someone with RSV coughs or sneezes near you
- You get virus droplets when coughing or sneezing into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- You have direct contact with the virus, such as kissing the face of a child with RSV
- You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, then touch your face before washing your hands.
An infected person is most contagious during the first week or so after getting an infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. But in infants and those with weakened immunity, the virus can continue to spread even after symptoms disappear, for up to four weeks.
Prevention
Two options exist for young children:
- An RSV vaccine given to the mother during pregnancy
- RSV vaccination given to infants and some older babies
Elderly people:
The Food and Drug Administration has approved RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older. Although two vaccines are available – Abrysvo and Arexvy – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend one over the other.
Other steps
The Mayo Clinic recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of infection: wash your hands often, avoid exposure, keep things clean, don’t share glasses with others, don’t smoke, and wash regularly toys.
