Frequently asked questions about RSV

Who is at high risk for severe RSV?

In most adults, the virus causes cold symptoms that are usually mild. However, RSV can definitely be dangerous high risk groupsincluding:

• Babies
• People over 60 years old
• Adults with chronic lung and kidney disease
• Adults with a weakened immune system
• Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities

RSV can be especially dangerous in pregnant women because they can pass the virus to their baby and have a risk of RSV-related complicationssuch as pneumonia, sepsis and respiratory failure.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends getting a maternal RSV vaccine if you are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during the high-risk months of September to January. The months of high risk for RSV may vary depending on where you live. Check with your OB-GYN for your specific criteria.

What are the symptoms of RSV in adults?

RSV is often confused with the common cold because the symptoms of RSV are similar. Symptoms of RSV include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Catarrh
• Appetite changes
• Fatigue
• Whistling

What symptoms of RSV require immediate medical attention?

RSV symptoms usually peak three to five days into the illness. If someone with RSV has the the following symptomsemergency medical attention should be sought immediately:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast breathing
• Whistling
• grunt
• Faster breathing rate
• Blue color in the skin, nails or lips
• No interest in breastfeeding or bottle feeding (in babies or toddlers)

How does RSV spread?

Like many respiratory viruses, RSV is spreading through droplets from your nose or mouth. One can become infected by being in close contact with a person infected with RSV or even by touching objects that have droplets of the virus on them.

RSV can also live on hard surfaces — like doorknobs or tables — for hours, but it can’t survive as long on soft tissue, like your hands.

To prevent the virus from spreading, you can take simple precautions, such as:

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs
• Get vaccinated if you are eligible

How long does it take to get sick if exposed to RSV?

It usually takes two to eight days to get off with RSV symptoms after exposure. And when someone is sick with RSV, the virus takes three to eight days to run its course.

How long is RSV contagious?

People who are actively ill with RSV are most contagious during the three to eight day time frame they have symptoms, as well as the one to two days before they develop symptoms. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread RSV for four weeks, even long after they have stopped having symptoms.

How is RSV treated?

Most cases of RSV can be treated by staying home and resting to let the virus run its course in about one to two weeks. Like other viruses, if no complications develop, one can treat RSV by resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

Symptoms such as fever and malaise can be treated with age-appropriate medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Cool-mist humidifiers and saline nasal spray can also be used for symptoms such as congestion and a runny nose.

If you have difficulty breathing or become severely dehydrated, hospitalization may be required. Most of the time, hospitalization is only needed for a few days and may require treatment such as intravenous fluids and oxygen support. In rare and severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be needed to take over someone’s breathing.

What are the serious health problems that can result from RSV?

RSV is dangerous for certain groups of older adults, especially adults with chronic health conditions or anyone living in an assisted care facility. RSV can too lead to other medical conditions such as exacerbation of COPD and asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

How can you protect yourself and your family from getting RSV?

The first and foremost way you can avoid spreading or becoming infected with RSV is to implement basic health strategies such as:

• Washing your hands
• Staying home when you or your children are sick
• Avoid crowded gatherings during RSV season
• Stay informed about recommended vaccinations for your family

There are also RSV-specific vaccinations and protective treatments available for certain groups of people. For example, some infants and toddlers are eligible RSV antibody products which can help protect them from severe RSV. Pregnant women may be eligible for maternal RSV vaccine, and adults age 60 and older may also be eligible for vaccination.

Who should get the vaccine to prevent RSV?

During pregnancy

The CDC recommends that pregnant women who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season (which varies depending on where you live) either vaccinate themselves to protect their baby when it is born or have the baby receive monoclonal antibody immediately after birth. .

Vaccination during pregnancy can help provide up to two weeks of protection for the baby after birth.

As adults

People over 60 and people with underlying and chronic conditions are eligible for one of two RSV vaccinations for adults;, RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) or RSVpreF (Abrysvo). Previous RSV infections or vaccines do not provide future immunity in adults or children, so if you meet the criteria, vaccination is recommended each RSV season.

It is important for anyone living with a high-risk condition or living with someone with a high-risk condition or who is pregnant to discuss their risk for RSV with their healthcare provider.