About RSV

RSV is a common infection that affects the airways and lungs. It is a type of respiratory illness. It is usually mild, but it can be more serious in young children, older adults, and people with certain health problems. You can get it more than once in your life.

RSV season tends to start in late fall and last until spring.

Who is most at risk?

RSV mostly affects babies, young children, and older adults. But you can get RSV at any age.

As you get older, you have a higher risk of getting very sick or needing care in the hospital because of RSV. You are at higher risk if:

• You are age 75 years and older.
• You are age 60 years or older, and you live in a continuing care or a supportive living facility.

Babies who are born too soon or have certain health conditions, such as lung problems or a weak immune system, are also at high risk of getting very sick or needing care in the hospital because of RSV.

How it spreads

RSV can spread in the following ways:

• An infected person sneezes, coughs, talks, or even breathes.
• You breathe in the virus.
• You touch something that has the virus on it (such as hands or a doorknob), then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

RSV can live on surfaces for several hours. It can live on unclean hands for 30 minutes or more. You can spread RSV before symptoms start.

Symptoms

RSV symptoms are usually mild cold-like symptoms that get better in 1 to 2 weeks. They include:

• runny nose
• coughing
• sneezing
• headache
• feeling tired
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• sore throat

If RSV gets worse, symptoms may include:

• wheezing
• fever

In some cases, RSV can lead to a lung infection (pneumonia) or make other health problems worse.

Learn what to do and how to care for yourself if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness.

Treatment

Most people can treat RSV at home. Home treatments include resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever. Learn more about how to care for yourself at home.

Some people with RSV, especially older adults and babies, may need care in the hospital if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.

Vaccine

There is a vaccine to protect against RSV for people age 60 years and older. You can get the RSV vaccine free if:

• You are age 75 years or older.
• You are age 60 years or older, and you live in a continuing care or supportive living facility.

You need 1 dose of RSV vaccine. At this time, more than 1 dose is not recommended.

Learn more about the RSV vaccine.

Babies and RSV

There is no RSV vaccine for babies, but there is a medicine for babies who are at high risk of getting very sick from RSV. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Prevent the spread

To stop RSV from spreading:

• Get the RSV vaccine if it is recommended for you.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.
• Wash your hands well and often. Use warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue, not your hand.
• Stay home when you are sick.