Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is highly contagious and spreads during the fall and winter. It often causes symptoms similar to a bad cold. Most people who get RSV can recover at home. However, RSV can be more serious for older adults and children younger than 6 months of age.
UPMC offers complete care for people with RSV, including RSV immunization for infants, vaccination for young children and older adults, at-home care advice for mild symptoms, and treatment for serious complications if needed.
On this page:
What Is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that circulates during the fall and winter. It usually causes mild symptoms but can cause severe illness.
How common is RSV?
RSV is very common. It is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States, and most children have been infected with the virus by age 2.
What causes RSV?
RSV is caused by a contagious virus. It spreads when someone comes into contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, either by inhaling airborne droplets, kissing, shaking hands, or touching contaminated surfaces.
RSV risk factors
Anyone can contract RSV.
You may be at higher risk of contracting RSV if you:
- Attend school or daycare.
- Live in a nursing home or other group setting.
Having chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, or heart failure can increase risk of severe disease.
Complications of RSV
Young children and older adults are at higher risk of experiencing serious complications from RSV, including:
- Dehydration.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Pneumonia.
How can I prevent RSV?
RSV is highly contagious, so it is difficult to prevent infection.
However, you may be able to reduce your risk of contracting RSV by:
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and desktops.
- Washing your hands frequently.
Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise may decrease your risk of severe disease.
RSV protection for young children
You can take precautions to protect your child from RSV complications. Pregnant women may be eligible to receive an RSV vaccine, which may provide some protection for infants after birth. Check with your provider about receiving the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies may be given after birth to prevent RSV in infants not already protected by their mother’s vaccine. Newborns, infants under 8 months of age, and infants ages 8 months to 19 months can receive a monoclonal antibody to protect them against RSV.
RSV protection for older adults
Older adults, especially those with immune system problems or chronic health conditions, are more likely to develop complications of RSV infection.
Adults ages 60 and older — or those ages 50 to 59 at high risk of developing serious complications — may be eligible to receive an FDA-approved RSV vaccine. Clinical trials have shown an 80% to 90% reduction in serious complications in the first season after receiving the vaccine.
Side effects are often mild and similar to those of other vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about your risk for RSV and the potential benefits of getting the vaccine.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of RSV?
RSV causes symptoms similar to a bad cold, such as:
- Cough.
- Earache.
- Mild sore throat.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
Although RSV mostly causes cold-like symptoms, it can cause a more serious infection in the lower airways, including pneumonia and bronchitis.
You should seek medical care if you have:
- Dehydration.
- Shortness of breath.
- Uncontrollable cough.
- Wheezing.
When should I see a doctor about my RSV symptoms?
Most symptoms of RSV can be managed at home with over-the-counter medications. You should call your doctor if you have questions about how to treat your symptoms or your symptoms don’t improve as expected.
If you develop severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose RSV?
A physical exam and asking you about your symptoms can increase the doctor's suspicion of RSV. A nasal swab test is required to diagnose RSV.
What to expect during your visit
During your visit, your doctor will:
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order tests, if needed.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose RSV
Your doctor may perform a nasal swab test to check for RSV in a sample of your mucus. Your doctor may also use a pulse oximetry monitor to check your oxygen levels or order chest x-rays to look for signs of pneumonia.
RSV prognosis
RSV often goes away on its own. When someone with RSV is otherwise healthy, symptoms should improve within a week or two. If severe complications develop, you may need hospitalization or additional treatment.
How Do You Treat RSV?
There is no specific treatment for RSV, other than supportive care. Most people who get RSV can recover at home.
To help ease RSV symptoms, you can:
- Rest.
- Stay hydrated.
- Take an over-the-counter pain and fever reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be safe with medicines. Always read and follow all instructions on the label and check with your doctor to make sure the medication is safe for you.
When you choose UPMC for RSV care, you will receive:
- Convenient access to care — UPMC experts offer in-person, telehealth, after-hours, and urgent care options for people with RSV and other contagious illnesses. If emergency symptoms arise, our Emergency Departments and inpatient units can provide comprehensive care.
- Personalized recommendations — Our providers will recommend the best RSV prevention and treatment strategies based on your age, overall health, and care needs.
- Multidisciplinary care — From vaccines and imaging to urgent and inpatient care, our providers work together to ensure that you get fast, effective RSV care.
