Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Q&A

Date: 12/07/22

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV**, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in 1-2 weeks, but RSV can be serious especially for infants and older adults. In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year old.

What are the signs or symptoms of RVS?

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4-6 days after getting infected. Symptoms* usually include:

Runny nose
Decrease in appetite
Coughing

*These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

I am not sure my child has RSV, what should I do?

Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider. Coordinated Care members can also call us!

Contact your Coordinated Care 24/7 Nurse Advice Line
Apple Health (Medicaid) 1-877-644-4613 (TTY 711)
Foster Care 1-844-654-9876 (TTY 711)
Contact your PCP’s office

How do I care for someone with RSV?

Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child non-prescription medicine. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.
Manage or help control fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children.
Get them to drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (lack of fluids).

Who is at highest risk for RSV infection?

Premature infants
Young children with congenital (from birth) heart or chronic lung disease OR with weakened immune systems due to a medical condition or treatment.
Children with neuromuscular disorders
Adults with compromised immune systems
Older adults, especially those with underlying heart or lung disease0

Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized. Some older adults and infants younger than 6 months old may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.

How is RSV spread?

An infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets get in your eyes, nose, or mouth
Direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
Touching a surface with the virus on it, like a doorknob, then touching your face before washing your hands

People infected with RSV are usually contagious (able to spread the virus) for 3-8 days and may become contagious a 1-2 days before they show signs of illness. Some infants and people with weakened immune systems, however, can spread the virus for as long as 4 week, even after they stop showing symptoms.

Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as school or childcare centers. RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces such as tables and crib rails. It typically lives on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands for less time.

What steps can I take to help prevent RSV?

Especially if you have cold-like symptoms you should:

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid close contact, such as kissing,
Avoid shaking hands, and sharing cups and flatware with others.
Clean touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices often

What other steps can I take to keep my family healthy?

Get plenty of rest
Keep your family members up to date on their immunizations
Stay up to date on well-child visits
Stay up to date on adult and child preventative care.

CDC RSV fact sheets and Infographic:

**Source:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 11/29/2022, https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html