Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infections. It spreads easily, especially during the colder months. While most infections cause only mild cold-like symptoms, RSV can lead to serious illness in infants, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
Reservoir
Humans are the main reservoir of RSV. The virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. People are most contagious during the first few days of their symptoms, but infants and those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.
Incubation Period
The incubation period (time between exposure and symptom onset) is typically 2 to 8 days, most commonly around 4 to 6 days.
Signs and Symptoms
In most healthy individuals, RSV causes mild symptoms similar to a common cold:
• Runny or congested nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Mild fever
• Sneezing
In infants, elderly individuals, or those with underlying conditions, RSV may cause more severe illness, such as:
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Wheezing
• Decreased feeding or dehydration
• Bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways)
• Pneumonia (chest infection)
It is important to seek urgent medical attention if an infant has trouble breathing, pauses in breathing, has poor feeding, or appears lethargic; or if an adult has worsening shortness of breath or chest pain.
Diagnosis
RSV can be diagnosed through laboratory testing, which may include:
• Detection of viral RNA by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) from a nasal or throat swab.
• Antigen testing in respiratory secretions.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for most RSV infections. Management is mainly supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms:
• Ensure adequate rest and hydration.
• Use saline nasal drops or suctioning to clear mucus in infants.
• Fever can be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Most healthy people will recover at home without needing hospitalization.
• Severe cases, particularly in infants or older adults, may require hospital care for oxygen therapy or fluids.
Control and Prevention
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people showing cold-like symptoms.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Keep infants away from crowded places during RSV season and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
• People with respiratory symptoms should stay home until they feel better to prevent spreading the infection.
• Vaccination is one of the preventive measures available for certain high-risk groups (e.g. preterm and at-risk neonates).
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO): Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - Fact Sheet.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection).
3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - Factsheet for Health Professionals.
4. National Health Service (NHS, UK): Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
5. Mayo Clinic: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection - Symptoms and Causes.