what symptoms to look for in each case.
RSV symptoms in adults
RSV in adults can cause symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Decrease in appetite
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
RSV symptoms in babies and children
The AAP says babies and children can get the same symptoms as adults, plus:
- Bobbing head with each breath
- Chest caving in (between and under their ribs) with each breath
- Fast/short breaths
- Extreme fatigue
- Flaring nostrils
- Grunting
- Poor feeding/no appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Stuffy nose
How long does RSV last?
RSV infections usually last no longer than one or two weeks, according to the CDC.
Is RSV contagious?
RSV is contagious, which means that it’s a virus that can go from one person to another when they touch. The virus travels in saliva (spit), mucus and nasal (nose) discharge according to the AAP. “RSV is a respiratory virus, so it’s spread by respiratory droplets or by touching droplets from someone who’s infected. Avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands, even wearing a mask would prevent transmission of RSV…” according to Rajapakse.
You may also be wondering how long RSV contagious is so you know when it’s safe for you or your child to touch another person. If you have RSV symptoms, you were probably contagious one or two days ago. Adults are contagious for three to eight days, warns the CDC, and children (plus people who have weakened immune systems) can be contagious for up to four weeks.
RSV treatment
Treating respiratory illness caused by RSV isn’t complicated. In fact, if you or your child have a mild to moderate illness, you won’t need any treatment at all beyond these steps you should take at home, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Drink water
- Rest
- Take over-the-counter pain or fever medication
Is there an RSV vaccine?
Preventing respiratory illnesses caused by RSV can save your child a lot of suffering. In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an antibody shot known as nirsevimab (Beyfortus) to guard against severe RSV in children. The next month, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the shot for the following age groups:
- Babies aged 8 months or younger who were born during or are entering their first RSV season
- Infants and children aged 8 to 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease entering their second RSV season.
Arexvy and ABRYSVO are also available for adults 60 or older.
Living with RSV
Living with RSV means following your at-home treatment plan and watching symptoms, to make sure they don’t get worse.
Two to three infants out of every 100 patients may end up in the hospital, the AAP states. And it’s rare, but according to the academy, some infants can die from RSV. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns.