What symptoms does RSV cause and what should I do about them?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of illnesses that affect the respiratory tract. It’s important for everyone, especially parents and caregivers, to understand the symptoms of RSV infection, the normal course of the disease, and when to seek medical care.

The spread of RSV

RSV spreads through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes. It can also live on surfaces, such as doorknobs or toys, for several hours. Therefore, RSV is highly contagious, especially in crowded places like schools and childcare centers.

Typically, individuals with RSV are most contagious for 3 to 8 days after onset of symptoms. Young children, while no longer contagious, may continue to cough for up to 6 weeks after RSV infection.

Common symptoms of RSV

RSV infection symptoms are like those of other respiratory viruses. They begin like a common cold. Children under 5, older adults, and those with weak immune systems may get sicker. They can have trouble breathing and low oxygen levels.

Knowing what to look for can help distinguish RSV from other respiratory illnesses. Typical symptoms of RSV infection manifest in stages, the first few days of illness usually include:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing or sneezing
• Fever

RSV symptoms in infants and children

Children under 5 and children who are immunocompromised are more likely to develop more severe symptoms. Parents and caregivers should seek care for their children when they develop:

• Feeding Disruption: An infant may pull away from breastfeeding or take longer to drink from a bottle. An older child might refuse to drink or have fewer than two wet diapers each day.
• Worsening Coughing: if a child is having increasing coughing and cannot breathe comfortably, cannot eat, are becoming less active, or are increasingly fussy with cough.
• Wheezing: If children start breathing faster and have "retractions"—when the chest sinks in with each breath—noisy breathing or look pale. 
   

RSV symptoms people over 65 and those with compromised immune systems

RSV in adults may also lead to lower respiratory tract infection with increasing cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. If people are experiencing these symptoms, they should seek care.

Staying healthy during the holidays

Like other common respiratory viruses, RSV is everywhere. The best line of defense is regular hand hygiene and vaccination. Because RSV infection is a viral illness, antibiotics do not play a role in treating the disease.

We recommend nasal suction before feedings in infants. Parents can use Tylenol to treat fever and discomfort in children over 2 months old. Call your healthcare provider or the telephone nurse advisor if you are concerned about your child. They can help determine the best way to have the child evaluated.

RSV and pregnancy

RSV is usually not serious for pregnant women. However, it is important to avoid infection. Pregnant women can easily spread it to newborns.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant women helps protect newborns. It prevents the mother from getting infected and gives antibodies to the baby.

RSV vaccine for babies

RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization for children under 5 years old. The RSV vaccine for babies is a promising breakthrough in pediatric healthcare. It is designed to provide immunity to infants, reducing the risk of severe RSV-related illnesses.

“I highly recommend the vaccine for expectant mothers and their babies. It is the best line of defense against RSV,” says Dr. Jennifer Kleven, Gundersen Health System Pediatric Hospitalist.

Gundersen RSV vaccination opportunities

Gundersen offers RSV vaccinations at Gundersen clinic and locations. If you’re wondering what’s best for you and your family, contact your primary care provider with any questions you may have.