Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) FAQs
What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and how does it affect babies?
Is RSV contagious?
What are the symptoms of RSV disease?
How often do outbreaks or epidemics occur?
How is RSV infection treated?
What factors increase the risk of RSV disease?
What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and how does it affect babies?
Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common respiratory virus in infants and young children, infecting virtually all infants by the age of two. In most infants, the virus causes symptoms resembling those of the common cold. However, in infants born prematurely, children with chronic lung disease, or children with congenital heart disease, RSV can result in a severe or even life-threatening disease. Recent data reported by the CDC suggests that as many as 125,000 hospitalizations occur annually in children less than one year old due to lower respiratory infection or bronchiolitis. Additionally, investigators have found that RSV is the number one reason children require hospitalization during their first year of life, emphasizing the impact of RSV disease on children.
Is RSV contagious?
Yes, RSV is highly contagious. Up to two-thirds of infants are infected in the first year of life. The infection can sometimes be spread through the air, via coughing and sneezing. Transmission more commonly occurs by the sharing of respiratory secretions from infected persons, and then self-innoculation by rubbing the eyes, nose, or mouth. RSV can survive for up to 12 hours on nonporous surfaces such as cribs and countertops. Transmission may be prevented by standard infection control practices, such as hand washing and proper cleaning.
What are the symptoms of RSV disease?
The symptoms of RSV are initially similar to a cold, and can include some or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Other cold-like symptoms
More serious symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Difficult breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
- Hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels)
How often do outbreaks or epidemics occur?
RSV outbreaks occur each year on a fairly predictable schedule that varies from one region to another. In the United States, the RSV epidemic "season" usually begins in the Fall, and lasts through Spring. However, in some parts of the United States, such as Southern Florida, year-round epidemic levels have been seen.
How is RSV infection treated?
It is important to help ensure that the infected infant is able to breathe (oxygenate and not go into respiratory failure), remain hydrated, and sleep comfortably. Your child's doctor may perform tests to confirm an RSV infection and help determine the severity of the infection and the need for hospitalization. Your child's doctor is the best source of information about the treatment of serious RSV disease and supportive care measures.
What factors increase the risk of RSV disease?
Selected factors that increase the risk of acquiring RSV or having a severe RSV infection:
- Prematurity (born more than 4 weeks early)
- Chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease
- Low birth weight
- Child care or day care attendance
- School-age brothers and sisters at home
- Crowded living conditions
- Multiple births
- Family history of asthma
- Exposure to tobacco smoke or other environmental air pollutants
