Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTransmissionContagiousnessPreventionNext in RSV GuideHow RSV Is Diagnosed
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Causes
Transmission
Contagiousness
Prevention
Next in RSV Guide
Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)is a common but highly contagious virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people will recover from RSV within a week or two, babies under 6 months and adults over 60 are at high risk of complications and hospitalization.
RSV affects adultsand children, causing runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever. In infants and older adults, RSV can sometimes lead to severe infections likebronchiolitis(inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) andpneumonia(an infection of the lungs).
This article explains how RSV is spread, how long the virus is contagious, and what you can be done toprevent RSV in adults and children.
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What Causes RSV?
Once the virus enters the body, it infects cells in both theupper respiratory tract(including the nose, throat, andlarynx) andlower respiratory tract(including thetracheaand lungs). This differs from thecommon cold,which is mainly limited to the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms are due to the body’s response to the virus in the form of lunginflammation.
All told, around 1.15 million people in the United States seek medical treatment for RSV annually.Infants are at greatest risk due to their immatureimmune systems, while older adults generally have weaker immune systems as they age.
Certain risk factors in adultsand childrenincrease the odds of severe illness with RSV:
Being 60 and older
Having chronic heart or lung disease, likeheart failureorchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Having other conditions such as severe obesity or severe diabetes.
Risk Factors in ChildrenBeing under 6 months of age, especiallypreterm babiesHaving congenital (present at birth) heart and lung problemsHaving a compromised immune system, includingprimary immunodeficiencyHaving a neuromuscular disorder, such asmuscular dystrophy
Being under 6 months of age, especiallypreterm babies
Having congenital (present at birth) heart and lung problems
Having a compromised immune system, includingprimary immunodeficiency
Having a neuromuscular disorder, such asmuscular dystrophy
Symptoms of RSV Bronchiolitis
How the Virus Spreads
RSV is spread through direct or indirect contact with nasal secretions and saliva from someone with RSV. Transmission of the virus can occur when:
Once the virus enters the body throughmucosal tissuesin the mouth, nostrils, or eyes, it will rapidly multiply and spread. Theincubation period(the time between exposure and symptoms) can take anywhere from two to eight days.
How Long Can RSV Live Outside the Body?RSV can live on contaminated skin (such as the hands) for up to 25 minutesand on contaminated surfaces (like doorknobs and crib railings) for several hours.It doesn’t appear to live as long on soft surfaces, such as tissues or towels.
How Long Can RSV Live Outside the Body?
RSV can live on contaminated skin (such as the hands) for up to 25 minutesand on contaminated surfaces (like doorknobs and crib railings) for several hours.It doesn’t appear to live as long on soft surfaces, such as tissues or towels.
How Long Is RSV Contagious?
People with an RSV infection may be contagious a day or two before symptoms appear. This is why RSV can rapidly spread through day care centers and preschools before the outbreak is contained. Once they have the infection, a child can bring the virus home and transmit it to others.
Some studies suggest that for every person with RSV, five to 25 others will acquire the virus as a direct result.
RSV symptoms tend to last between three and eight days, during which time the virus is contagious and can be transmitted to others.The infection can persist for longer in certain people, such as those who areimmunocompromised, and they can remain contagious for longer.
RSV epidemics are seasonal, commonly occurring during late fall, winter, and/or spring.The timing and severity of “RSV season” can vary from year to year.
Risks of RSV in Premature Babies
How to Prevent RSV
The prevention of RSV is similar to the prevention of other respiratory viruses likethe fluandCOVID-19. Vaccines and medications are available for older adults and children who are at greater risk of severe illness.
Standard Precautions
If you or your child develops cold-like symptoms, the following precautions can prevent the spread of infection:
Preventing RSV in Older Adults
A one-time immunization is recommended for all adults over age 75. Adults age 60-74 may also receive the vaccine if they have certain risk factors, like a weakened immune system or chronic heart or lung disease.
Side effects of the three vaccines are similar and may include headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and injection site pain, redness, or swelling.
Common Side Effects of RSV Vaccine
Preventing RSV in Children
There are two ways to protect infants from RSV: The mother can receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or the infant can receive an immunization antibody after birth.
The antibody is known as Beyfortus (nirsevimab). It can prevent severe RSV complications in babies and toddlers when they acquire an RSV infection. Infants born during RSV season (fall through spring) should receive a single dose of the antibody during the first week after birth.
If their mother received an RSV vaccine while pregnant, the antibody isn’t needed.
A second dose is recommended for some infants aged 8 to 19 months entering their second RSV season if they have certain risk factors. These include cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease from prematurity, or a weakened immune system.
How to Prevent RSV in Adults and Children
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through airborne droplets, contaminated surfaces, or close contact with people who have the virus. RSV may be contagious one or two days beforesymptomsappear and continue to be contagious until symptoms resolve.
Infants and older adults are at high risk of severe complications like pneumonia. In addition to taking standard precautions (such as washing your hands and covering sneezes), vaccines can protect older adults from severe illness, and antibodies can protect children during their first and possibly second RSV season.
Why RSV Surges May Soon Be a Thing of the Past
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms and care.Jha A, Jarvis H, Fraser C, Openshaw PJ.Chapter 4: respiratory syncytial virus. In:SARS, MERS, and Other Viral Lung Infections. Sheffield UK: European Respiratory Society; 2016.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).RSV surveillance & research.Juhn YJ, Wi CI, Takahashi PY, et al.Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.JAMA Netw Open.2023;6(1):e2250634. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50634Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV transmission.New York State Department of Health.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Drysdale SB, Green CA, Sande CJ.Best practice in the prevention and management of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus infection.Therapeutic Advances Infect Dis.2016;3(2):63–71. doi:10.1177/2049936116630243Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV prevention.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over.GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) suspension for intramuscular injection.Food and Drug Administration.Abrysvo label.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody: Immunization Information Statement (IIS).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in Infants and Young Children.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms and care.Jha A, Jarvis H, Fraser C, Openshaw PJ.Chapter 4: respiratory syncytial virus. In:SARS, MERS, and Other Viral Lung Infections. Sheffield UK: European Respiratory Society; 2016.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).RSV surveillance & research.Juhn YJ, Wi CI, Takahashi PY, et al.Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.JAMA Netw Open.2023;6(1):e2250634. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50634Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV transmission.New York State Department of Health.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Drysdale SB, Green CA, Sande CJ.Best practice in the prevention and management of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus infection.Therapeutic Advances Infect Dis.2016;3(2):63–71. doi:10.1177/2049936116630243Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV prevention.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over.GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) suspension for intramuscular injection.Food and Drug Administration.Abrysvo label.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody: Immunization Information Statement (IIS).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in Infants and Young Children.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms and care.Jha A, Jarvis H, Fraser C, Openshaw PJ.Chapter 4: respiratory syncytial virus. In:SARS, MERS, and Other Viral Lung Infections. Sheffield UK: European Respiratory Society; 2016.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).RSV surveillance & research.Juhn YJ, Wi CI, Takahashi PY, et al.Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.JAMA Netw Open.2023;6(1):e2250634. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50634Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV transmission.New York State Department of Health.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Drysdale SB, Green CA, Sande CJ.Best practice in the prevention and management of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus infection.Therapeutic Advances Infect Dis.2016;3(2):63–71. doi:10.1177/2049936116630243Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV prevention.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over.GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) suspension for intramuscular injection.Food and Drug Administration.Abrysvo label.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody: Immunization Information Statement (IIS).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in Infants and Young Children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms and care.
Jha A, Jarvis H, Fraser C, Openshaw PJ.Chapter 4: respiratory syncytial virus. In:SARS, MERS, and Other Viral Lung Infections. Sheffield UK: European Respiratory Society; 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).RSV surveillance & research.
Juhn YJ, Wi CI, Takahashi PY, et al.Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.JAMA Netw Open.2023;6(1):e2250634. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50634
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV transmission.
New York State Department of Health.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Drysdale SB, Green CA, Sande CJ.Best practice in the prevention and management of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus infection.Therapeutic Advances Infect Dis.2016;3(2):63–71. doi:10.1177/2049936116630243
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over.
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) suspension for intramuscular injection.
Food and Drug Administration.Abrysvo label.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody: Immunization Information Statement (IIS).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in Infants and Young Children.
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