Everything You Need To Know About Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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By Yhordan Serpentini | November 9, 2022

With the start of the Winter season and reaching the middle of November soon, respiratory viruses are spreading and slowly reaching their annual peak. Every year, we deal with recurring respiratory viruses like the influenza virus, and recently with the Coronavirus, but one of the other viruses that are talked about less is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Don’t worry if you are unfamiliar with RSV as it isn’t a deadly virus, but can be dangerous for certain adults; however, with other respiratory viruses and seasonal illnesses sharing a similar peak in the season, hospitals are concerned for an explosion of patients in the next coming weeks to months. Here is everything you need to know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and how to protect yourself from it.

Everything you need to know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

Just like other respiratory viruses, RSV is a very common virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as runny noses or coughing. The virus itself is not necessarily harmful, however, it can reach dangerous levels or even be deadly to certain demographics, such as young children or adults suffering from other respiratory issues. Each year in the United States, estimated statistics of 60,000 – 120,000 adults are hospitalized from RSV, with roughly 6,000-10,000 of those adults dying from infection.

RSV is known to cause inflammations of the small airways within our lungs–medically referred to as bronchiolitis–as well as pneumonia, though these infections are typically diagnosed in young children under one year of age.

Usually, an individual infected with RSV can begin to show symptoms within four to six days after infection and can take anywhere from one to two weeks for a full recovery. Just like the influenza virus, RSV is very common among children but anyone can be infected with it.

Symptoms of RSV

As mentioned earlier, RSV usually shows cold-like symptoms that occur anywhere from four to six days after infection. You would typically find these symptoms in individuals suffering from RSV:

  • Runny nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Minor or severe coughing
  • Low or high fever
  • Wheezing
  • Irritability
  • Sneezing
  • Difficulty breathing

RSV should always be treated as soon as possible for the best and fastest way to recover. It is normal for children to suffer symptoms of irritability, difficulty breathing, or a loss or decrease in daily activities; however, the CDC advises that you call your healthcare professional if either you or a loved one is experiencing worsening symptoms and/or not drinking enough fluids.

Treatment

RSV is normally treated by simply letting it pass over time. If you are in pain or want other options to manage your fever and/or pain, there are over-the-counter medicines, as well as staying hydrated–though it is advised that you consult with your doctor before giving your child nonprescribed medication.

Unfortunately, there are no known methods for specifically treating an RSV infection; however, the CDC states that there are further research for the potential development of a vaccine or antiviral for the virus.

How To Prevent Infection and Transmission

RSV can be spread through similar ways other respiratory and contagious viruses are spread. Typically, you can be infected in any of the following ways:

  • Virus droplets from coughing or sneezing
  • Direct contact with someone infected with RSV (sharing saliva)
  • Touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after being exposed to the virus
  • Touching surfaces that may have the virus already on it
To prevent from getting infected with RSV, wash your periodically, especially if you touched surfaces that are prone to being dirty (public transportation, door knobs, handrails, bathroom surfaces, etc). Additionally, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing–best with a tissue, handkerchief, or your shirt–avoid close contact with others you suspect are sick, frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, and do not use your hands to rub your eyes, mouth, or nose, shortly after contact others or a commonly touched surface.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

References:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 28). RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 31). Preventing RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 24). Symptoms and care of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 1). Transmission of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/transmission.html

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