Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 079.6      ICD10: B97.4      ICD11: XN275

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Here's a breakdown of what you should know about RSV:

Key Characteristics:

What it is: A virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.
Symptoms: Typically, mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can sometimes lead to more severe conditions like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
Spread: Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread when someone touches a contaminated surface (like a door knob or toy) and then touches their face.
Seasonality: Typically more prevalent during fall and winter months.
Who is at risk?
Infants and Young Children: RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
Premature infants: Higher risk of severe disease.
Older Adults: Older adults, especially those with underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease, are also at higher risk of severe RSV infection.
Individuals with weakened immune systems: Such as those undergoing chemotherapy or who have received organ transplants.
Contagious Period: People with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms.

Symptoms of RSV:

Runny nose
Decreased appetite
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing)
Irritability
Difficulty Breathing (flaring nostrils, retractions of the chest)
Apnea (pauses in breathing - especially in infants)
Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin, nail beds, or lips, due to lack of oxygen) - This is an emergency.

Treatment:

Mild Cases: Most RSV infections resolve on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to manage fever and pain.
Severe Cases: May require hospitalization. Treatment in the hospital can include:
Supplemental oxygen
Intravenous fluids
Medications to help open airways (bronchodilators)
Mechanical ventilation (in severe cases)

Prevention:

Good Hygiene: Frequent hand washing with soap and water (or using hand sanitizer).
Avoid Touching Your Face: Especially after touching surfaces in public places.
Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow.
Stay Home When Sick: To prevent spreading the virus to others.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Especially frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and countertops.
Vaccines and Immunizations:
For Infants: Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a monoclonal antibody immunization that can provide protection against RSV for infants.
For Pregnant People: RSV vaccines are available for pregnant individuals. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect the baby after birth.
For Older Adults: RSV vaccines are available for older adults to help protect them from severe illness.

When to Seek Medical Care:

It's important to seek medical attention if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing (e.g., rapid breathing, wheezing, retractions)
Severe cough
High fever
Dehydration (signs include decreased urination, dry mouth)
Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
Lethargy or unresponsiveness

In summary, RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms, but can be serious, especially for vulnerable populations. Practicing good hygiene, staying home when sick, and being aware of the symptoms can help prevent the spread of RSV and protect those at risk.