Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)
Prevention, symptoms, and treatment of RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses.
Infants and adults who are older or have certain risk factors are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Immunization is recommended to protect infants, some young children, pregnant people, adults aged 75 or older, and adults aged 50 – 74 with certain risk factors.
RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine is available at local pharmacies and family health providers. SMCHD offers the RSV vaccine for infants through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.
Prevent RSV
RSV can be prevented through standard hygiene practices that help stop germs such as:
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
- Using proper handwashing techniques
- Staying home (or keeping your child home) when you are sick
RSV vaccination is available for older adults and pregnant women. Nirsevimab/beyfortus (a preventative monoclonal antibody) is available for infants.
For Older Adults
- A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for:
- Everyone ages 75 and older
- Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
- Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk include those with certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic lung or heart disease, those with weakened immune systems, and those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
- RSV vaccine is NOT an annual vaccine, meaning patients do not need a dose every RSV season.
- For adults who need an RSV vaccine and have not yet received a dose, RSV vaccine can be given at any time during the year, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in the community. In Maryland, this means the ideal time for vaccination is between August and October.
- A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for:
For Pregnant People
- An RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant people who are 32–36 weeks pregnant with seasonal administration during September–January in Maryland.
- Vaccination provides protection against severe RSV illness to the recipient’s baby for up to 6 months of age. However, the infant’s protection will wane over time. Talk to your family’s health care provider about RSV prevention and treatment options to help you make an informed choice for your family.
For Infants
- Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a monoclonal antibody product that can protect infants and some young children from severe RSV disease. It is recommended for:
- Infants under 8 months old born during or entering their first RSV season (typically fall through spring) if their mother did not receive an RSV vaccine, or it is unknown whether their mother received an RSV vaccine, or the mother received a vaccine but the infant was born <14 days after vaccination.
- Some children between the ages of 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease before their second RSV season. These include:
- Children who have chronic lung disease of prematurity who required medical support (chronic corticosteroid therapy, diuretic therapy, or supplemental oxygen) any time during the 6-month period before the start of the second RSV season
- Children with severe immunocompromise
- Children with cystic fibrosis who have severe disease
- American Indian and Alaska Native children
- Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a monoclonal antibody product that can protect infants and some young children from severe RSV disease. It is recommended for:
Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of RSV vaccination. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.
Symptoms
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection in adults typically include:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.
Infants and young children with RSV infection may have a runny nose and a decrease in appetite before any other symptoms appear. Cough usually develops 1 to 3 days later. Soon after the cough develops, sneezing, fever, and wheezing may occur. Symptoms in very young infants can include irritability, decreased activity, and pauses in breathing. Seek emergency treatment if your child has trouble breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or if symptoms worsen.
Treatment
RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most infections go away on their own in a week or two and can be treated at home. Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight RSV.
Steps to relieve symptoms include:
- Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)
- Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
- Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.
- Individuals, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, may need to seek emergency care if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.
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