Overview
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the airways and lungs. Most people get RSV at some point, and many recover with rest and supportive care. In some people, especially very young infants and older adults, RSV can cause more severe breathing illness.
Key Symptoms
RSV often starts with a runny nose, sneezing, cough, reduced appetite, and fever. In babies, symptoms may also include irritability, poor feeding, or pauses in breathing. More serious illness can cause wheezing, fast breathing, chest pulling in with breaths, or trouble getting enough air.
Causes and Risk Factors
RSV is caused by a virus that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through close contact, and by touching contaminated surfaces and then the face. Risk of severe illness is higher in premature infants, very young babies, older adults, and people with chronic heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems. Crowded settings and seasonal circulation can also increase exposure.
Who Is Affected
RSV can affect people of any age. It is especially important in infants and young children because it is a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions can also become seriously ill and may need hospital care.
Prevention
Wash hands often, clean commonly touched surfaces, and avoid close contact with people who are sick when possible. Cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when ill to reduce spread to others. In many countries, RSV vaccines or preventive antibody products are available for some infants, pregnant people, or older adults; local guidance may differ.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may suspect RSV based on symptoms, age, season, and breathing exam. Testing can include a nasal swab to look for the virus, especially in hospitals or higher-risk patients. If breathing problems are significant, oxygen levels or chest imaging may be checked.
Treatment Categories
There is no routine antibiotic treatment for RSV because it is caused by a virus. Care is usually supportive and may include fluids, rest, fever management as advised by a clinician, and help with breathing if needed. Severe cases may require hospital care, oxygen, or other monitoring and support.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are getting worse, fever is persistent, or there is poor feeding, dehydration, or unusual sleepiness. Infants, older adults, and people with high-risk conditions should be assessed sooner if they develop breathing symptoms. Seek medical advice if you are unsure whether symptoms are more than a mild cold.
When It May Be an Emergency
Emergency care may be needed for trouble breathing, very fast breathing, pauses in breathing, blue or gray lips or skin, signs of severe dehydration, or inability to stay awake. In babies, poor feeding together with breathing difficulty is especially concerning. If severe symptoms are present, get urgent medical help right away.