- What Are the Symptoms of RSV?
- Common Symptoms of RSV
- Severe Symptoms and Complications
- RSV Symptoms in Infants
- RSV Symptoms in Different Age Groups
- When to Seek Medical Attention
- Preventive Measures
- Conclusion
Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV: What You Need to Know
What Are the Symptoms of RSV?
What are the symptoms of RSV? This is a common question among parents and caregivers, as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. RSV symptoms can range from mild cold-like signs to severe respiratory distress, particularly in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Understanding these symptoms is essential for timely intervention and effective management.
Common Symptoms of RSV
In most individuals, RSV manifests with symptoms similar to those of a mild cold. These typically include:
- Runny or congested nose
- Dry cough
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Headache
These symptoms usually appear within four to six days after exposure to the virus and are generally self-limiting, resolving within one to two weeks.
Severe Symptoms and Complications
RSV can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations. Severe symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Severe cough
- Wheezing (a high-pitched noise heard during exhalation)
- Rapid or troubled breathing
- Bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
RSV Symptoms in Infants
In infants, additional signs of severe infection can involve:
- Short, shallow, and rapid breathing
- Chest muscles and skin pulling inward with each breath (retractions)
- Poor feeding
- Unusual tiredness (lethargy)
- Irritability
These severe symptoms may indicate the development of lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
RSV Symptoms in Different Age Groups
Infants and Young Children
RSV is a leading cause of respiratory infections in infants and young children. While many experience mild symptoms, some may develop severe illness requiring hospitalization. Signs to watch for include:
- Irritability
- Decreased activity
- Breathing difficulties
- Decreased appetite
In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year old, leading to approximately 58,000 hospitalizations annually.
Older Adults
In adults over 65, RSV can cause significant respiratory illness. Symptoms may resemble those of other respiratory infections but can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure. Each year in the U.S., RSV leads to an estimated 14,000 deaths among older adults.
Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems
People with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, or individuals with certain chronic illnesses, are at increased risk for severe RSV infection. Symptoms can progress rapidly, and these individuals may experience prolonged illness and viral shedding.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild RSV infections typically resolve on their own, it’s essential to seek medical care if you or a loved one experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dehydration (e.g., decreased urination, dry mouth, lack of tears)
- Worsening symptoms or symptoms that do not improve after several days
- In infants, signs such as difficulty feeding, decreased activity, or irritability
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to provide supportive treatments such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.
Preventive Measures
Preventing RSV infection involves several strategies:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Avoiding touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands
For certain high-risk groups, preventive measures may include RSV vaccination. As of February 2025, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Moderna’s RSV vaccine, branded as mRESVIA, for adults aged 60 and older. This vaccine aims to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV, which can lead to serious complications like lung infections and pneumonia in older adults.
Conclusion
RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe illness in certain populations. Recognizing the symptoms of RSV and understanding when to seek medical attention are vital steps in managing the infection effectively. Preventive measures, including good hygiene practices and vaccination for eligible individuals, play a crucial role in reducing the risk of RSV infection and its associated complications.
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Risk Factors Associated with Severe RSV Infection in Infants: What Is the Role of Viral Co-Infections?
https://journals.asm.org/doi/abs/10.1128/spectrum.04368-22
3 Long-term consequences of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis
https://www.academia.edu/download/105453530/99c8b23a362a1dcb4165a91fbc7eea242c97.pdf
Respiratory syncytial virus: diagnosis, prevention and management
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RespiratoryViral Infections inInfants:Causes,ClinicalSymptoms, Virology,andImmunology
