Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in RSV GuideRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms in Adults and Kids
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in RSV Guide
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious illness that often causes mild upper respiratory symptoms, similar to a cold. However, for infants, older adults, and people who have a weakened immune system or certain underlying health problems, RSV can cause serious lower respiratory illnesses, which means that it may involve the lungs.
There is no cure for RSV; rather, treatment involves managing the symptoms (e.g., drinking fluids and lowering fever), as well as monitoring closely for breathing problems, which may warrant hospitalization.
RSV Symptoms
Though RSV can begin with the samesymptomsas the common cold, this infection can have serious complications, especially for very young children. If a young child has symptoms, it’s best to get them evaluated.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Can Rash Be a Symptom of RSV?
Infants and Young Children
Infants and young children usually have symptoms limited to theupper respiratory tract—nose, throat, and sinuses—and they tend to develop in stages.
Very young infants may become irritable or less active than usual as their only symptom.
Severe symptoms of RSV may develop one to three days after the cold symptoms begin.
Severe Symptoms
Symptoms of a severe RSV illness in infants and young children may include:
This indicates that the illness has spread to thelower respiratory tract—causingpneumonia(lung infection) orbronchiolitis(infection of the tiny airways that lead to the lungs).
While any infant or young child is considered at risk for RSV, some particular groups are considered at high risk for developing severe RSV symptoms.
These groups include:
When to Seek Immediate Medical AttentionCall 911 immediately if any of these symptoms or signs occur:Nasal flaring (wide flaring of the nostrils with each breath)Difficulty breathing(e.g., fast breathing, labored breathing) or not breathing at allRetractions(the skin around the ribcage is sucked in with each breath)GruntingExtreme drowsinessCyanosis(appearance of blue lips, fingernails, or skin)Severe coughing spellsPale skinAnxious, agitated demeanor
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms or signs occur:Nasal flaring (wide flaring of the nostrils with each breath)Difficulty breathing(e.g., fast breathing, labored breathing) or not breathing at allRetractions(the skin around the ribcage is sucked in with each breath)GruntingExtreme drowsinessCyanosis(appearance of blue lips, fingernails, or skin)Severe coughing spellsPale skinAnxious, agitated demeanor
Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms or signs occur:
Older Children and Adults
Healthy adults and older children with RSV usually develop a mild upper respiratory tract illness with cold symptoms, such as:
Severe symptoms of RSV in older children and adults include:
These symptoms indicate that the illness has progressed to a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia orbronchitis(infection of the large airways that lead to the lungs).
Adults who are particularly at risk for developing a severe RSV illness include:
RSV is a contagious virusthat is spread through contact anddroplet transmission.This means that anyone who comes in contact with the nasal or oral secretions of someone infected with RSV can become infected themselves.
For example, you may become infected if someone with RSV sneezes or coughs, and the virus particles gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Touching a toy (or another object like a crib rail or doorknob) that a person with RSV has touched can also lead to RSV transmission.
Direct contact, such as kissing a child with RSV, can spread the virus as well.
For infants and children, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms like a high fever or decreased activity, eating, or urination. They will also ask about underlying health problems like a history of heart or lung disease or prematurity.
They will check for wheezing, nasal flaring, an increased breathing rate, and/or lowoxygen saturation.
Laboratory Testing
If a patient has a severe respiratory illness, or they have a respiratory illness and are considered high risk for developing severe illness if they have RSV, a laboratory test may be performed to see if the virus is present.
For infants and children, the rapid antigen test is often used. This test involves taking a swab of nasal secretions from the child’s nose. Results are usually back within thirty minutes to an hour.
For older children and adults, the rapid antigen test is not as sensitive for detecting the RSV antigen. So a test called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used. This test also involves taking a swab of nasal secretions. A benefit to the PCR test is that it looks for a spectrum of respiratory viruses, not just RSV.
Imaging tests, like a chestX-ray, are reserved for severe cases of breathing problems, like those that warrant a potential intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
There is no medication to cure RSV. For most children and adults, RSV infection causes only cold symptoms, and thetreatmentis no different than that used to treat any other cold at home.
However, for some people, especially babies, the breathing difficulties that result from RSV require hospitalization.
Home Care
Treatment for RSV is supportive, meaning it is intended to manage symptoms until the virus runs its course.In addition to supportive care (e.g., fever reduction and drinking ample fluids), it’s important to closely monitor for worsening symptoms and to contact your healthcare provider with any concerns.
Fever ReductionBe sure to also ask your healthcare provider about the specifics of when and how to treat fever. Never give aspirin to any child under the age of 18 because there is a risk of developing a serious illness calledReye’s syndrome.
Fever Reduction
Be sure to also ask your healthcare provider about the specifics of when and how to treat fever. Never give aspirin to any child under the age of 18 because there is a risk of developing a serious illness calledReye’s syndrome.
Hospital Care
In the hospital, close monitoring of oxygen levels is necessary. Supportive treatments may includeoxygen therapy, nasogastric (through the nose) or intravenous (through the vein) fluid administration, and in severe cases,mechanical ventilation(a breathing machine).
Here are some helpfulstrategies to prevent RSVinfection:
If you are a parent or guardian, these additional tips can help keep your little one protected:
It’s also important to be mindful of others. If you are sick with cold symptoms, be sure to cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to minimize the spread of your illness. Also, stay away from those who are at high risk for a severe RSV illness.
RSV Vaccines
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccine options to prevent severe RSV disease. All are given as a one-time injection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults over age 75 receive an RSV vaccine. It’s also recommended for adults over 60 who are at increased risk for a severe infection.
The FDA has approved three RSV vaccines for preventing LRTD: Arexvy for those aged 50 and older, and Abrysvo and mResvia for those aged 60 and older. Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk. Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
RSV Antibodies
The CDC now recommends that infants receive an antibody shot, called Beyfortus (nirsevimab), to protect them during their first RSV season. The antibody injection works differently than a vaccine but provides similar protection.
Specifically, infants under 8 months of age who were born just before or during RSV season should receive the one-time shot. However, the antibody is not necessary if the mother received an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Some older infants (up to 19 months) at increased risk of a severe infection can also receive the antibody to protect them during their second RSV season.
Note, however, that the antibody cannot be used to treat an infant with an RSV infection.
A Word From Verywell
The bottom line is that while RSV is a common illness that usually causes run-of-the-mill, cold symptoms, it can be very serious in certain individuals, especially infants, older adults, and those with a weakened immune system or certain underlying health conditions.
Educating yourself about this illness can help you be on the alert if you or a loved one contracts it. This is important for your own recovery and to prevent yourself from spreading it to others who might be susceptible to a serious bout of RSV.
Respiratory syncytial virus is spread easily from person to person, usually causing a mild cold. It is very common among young children. Older children and adults often get it too, and usually don’t need medical care or diagnostic tests to specifically identify the virus. People who are vulnerable to severe respiratory infections can develop pneumonia, bronchitis, or bronchiolitis from RSV.
Yes, adults can get RSV. For healthy adults, the symptoms and disease course are similar to a common cold, but it can become severe for adults who are immunocompromised of who have underlying heart or lung conditions.
10 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.Clinical overview of RSV.American Academy of Pediatrics.Updated guidance: use of palivizumab prophylaxis to prevent hospitalization from severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the 2022-2023 RSV season.Christou E, Bourousis E, Pouliakis A, Douros K, Varela P, Delis D, Priftis KN.The differences between RSV and no RSV acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants: a cross-sectional study.Glob Pediatr Health. 2022 Dec 2;9:2333794X221138437. doi:10.1177/2333794X221138437American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement.Updated guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis among infants and young children at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection.PediatricsVolume 134, Number 2, August 2014. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-1665Stollar F, Alcoba G, Gervaix A, Argiroffo CB.Virologic testing in bronchiolitis: does it change management decisions and predict outcomes?Eur J Pediatr. 2014 Nov;173(11):1429-35. doi:10.1007/s00431-014-2334-2Smith DK, Seales S, Budzik C.Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in children.Am Fam Physician; 95(2):94-99.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.Food and Drug Administration.Commissioner O of the. Fda requires guillain-barré syndrome (Gbs) warning in the prescribing information for rsv vaccines abrysvo and arexvy: fda safety communication.
10 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.Clinical overview of RSV.American Academy of Pediatrics.Updated guidance: use of palivizumab prophylaxis to prevent hospitalization from severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the 2022-2023 RSV season.Christou E, Bourousis E, Pouliakis A, Douros K, Varela P, Delis D, Priftis KN.The differences between RSV and no RSV acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants: a cross-sectional study.Glob Pediatr Health. 2022 Dec 2;9:2333794X221138437. doi:10.1177/2333794X221138437American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement.Updated guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis among infants and young children at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection.PediatricsVolume 134, Number 2, August 2014. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-1665Stollar F, Alcoba G, Gervaix A, Argiroffo CB.Virologic testing in bronchiolitis: does it change management decisions and predict outcomes?Eur J Pediatr. 2014 Nov;173(11):1429-35. doi:10.1007/s00431-014-2334-2Smith DK, Seales S, Budzik C.Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in children.Am Fam Physician; 95(2):94-99.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.Food and Drug Administration.Commissioner O of the. Fda requires guillain-barré syndrome (Gbs) warning in the prescribing information for rsv vaccines abrysvo and arexvy: fda safety communication.
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.Clinical overview of RSV.American Academy of Pediatrics.Updated guidance: use of palivizumab prophylaxis to prevent hospitalization from severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the 2022-2023 RSV season.Christou E, Bourousis E, Pouliakis A, Douros K, Varela P, Delis D, Priftis KN.The differences between RSV and no RSV acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants: a cross-sectional study.Glob Pediatr Health. 2022 Dec 2;9:2333794X221138437. doi:10.1177/2333794X221138437American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement.Updated guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis among infants and young children at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection.PediatricsVolume 134, Number 2, August 2014. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-1665Stollar F, Alcoba G, Gervaix A, Argiroffo CB.Virologic testing in bronchiolitis: does it change management decisions and predict outcomes?Eur J Pediatr. 2014 Nov;173(11):1429-35. doi:10.1007/s00431-014-2334-2Smith DK, Seales S, Budzik C.Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in children.Am Fam Physician; 95(2):94-99.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for older adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.Food and Drug Administration.Commissioner O of the. Fda requires guillain-barré syndrome (Gbs) warning in the prescribing information for rsv vaccines abrysvo and arexvy: fda safety communication.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of RSV.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Updated guidance: use of palivizumab prophylaxis to prevent hospitalization from severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the 2022-2023 RSV season.
Christou E, Bourousis E, Pouliakis A, Douros K, Varela P, Delis D, Priftis KN.The differences between RSV and no RSV acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants: a cross-sectional study.Glob Pediatr Health. 2022 Dec 2;9:2333794X221138437. doi:10.1177/2333794X221138437
American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement.Updated guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis among infants and young children at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection.PediatricsVolume 134, Number 2, August 2014. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-1665
Stollar F, Alcoba G, Gervaix A, Argiroffo CB.Virologic testing in bronchiolitis: does it change management decisions and predict outcomes?Eur J Pediatr. 2014 Nov;173(11):1429-35. doi:10.1007/s00431-014-2334-2
Smith DK, Seales S, Budzik C.Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in children.Am Fam Physician; 95(2):94-99.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for older adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.
Food and Drug Administration.Commissioner O of the. Fda requires guillain-barré syndrome (Gbs) warning in the prescribing information for rsv vaccines abrysvo and arexvy: fda safety communication.
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