Is RSV serious?

Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.

Why is RSV so serious?

When an adult gets RSV infection, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop a lung infection or pneumonia. RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of serious conditions such as: Asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe.

Should I be worried about RSV?

RSV can cause more serious health problems

Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized. But some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.

What are the chances of surviving RSV?

The highest mean, RSV-associated UR mortality rate was among adults aged 65 years or older at 14.7 per 100 000 (95% CI, 13.8-15.5 per 100 000), followed by children younger than 1 year at 2.4 per 100 000 (95% CI, 2.3-2.5 per 100 000) (Table).

Should I be worried about RSV in my child?

Some children with RSV may be at increased risk of developing a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection. Call your doctor if your child has: Symptoms that worsen or do not start to improve after 7 days. A fever (with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher) and they are younger than 3 months of age (12 weeks).

What is RSV and why is it so dangerous?

Should parents stay home if child has RSV?

Protect Your Family from RSV and Other Viruses

In addition, Dr. Greenwald recommends common-sense precautions like staying home if possible when you or your child is sick, keeping hydrated, and covering coughs and sneezes.

How long do you have to stay home from daycare with RSV?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.

Is RSV fatal in toddlers?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a seasonal illness that has been commonly overlooked even though it affects about 97% of children by the age of two. This is because the symptoms are similar to that of the common cold and are normally mild. But for some, RSV can be severe and even life threatening.

What age is RSV life threatening?

People at increased risk of severe or sometimes life-threatening RSV infections include: Infants, especially premature infants or babies who are 6 months or younger.

How often does RSV require hospitalization?

One to two out of every 100 children younger than 6 months of age with RSV infection may need to be hospitalized. Those who are hospitalized may require oxygen, IV fluids (if they aren't eating and drinking), and/or mechanical ventilation (a machine to help with breathing).

Is RSV an emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department if you or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection has: Difficulty breathing. High fever. Bluish color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.

What to do if your child has RSV?

What are the first signs of RSV?

Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties. Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days.

Does RSV come on suddenly?

RSV symptoms can start anywhere from 2-8 days after exposure to a sick person. One way to differentiate it from other cold and flu-like conditions is that RSV symptoms often come in phases, rather than appearing all at once. Symptoms can include: Sore throat.

Are antibiotics given for RSV?

Antibiotics aren't used because RSV is a virus.

Fortunately, most cases of RSV are mild and require no specific treatment from doctors. Antibiotics aren't used because RSV is a virus and antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Medication may sometimes be given to help open airways and to improve breathing.

Why do adults not get RSV?

Yes, adults can get RSV. In fact, you've probably had RSV several times in your life. As you get older and your immune system develops more antibodies, you're able to fight off RSV more efficiently. So you may have only developed a mild cold with your RSV infection.

Can RSV lead to death?

However, RSV can cause serious illness or death in vulnerable individuals, including premature and very young infants, children with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, and people who are over age 65.

What does an RSV cough sound like?

Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.

How long will you test positive for RSV?

By using a rapid test for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection (Abbott TestPack RSV), a number of patients were observed, showing repeatedly positive results over a period of up to 10 weeks.

Do toddlers need antibiotics for RSV?

Antibiotics aren't used because RSV is a virus — antibiotics work only against bacteria. RSV infection can be more serious in babies and toddlers, though. Some might need treatment in a hospital where they can be watched closely and get supportive treatment for any breathing problems or dehydration.

Is RSV serious in 3 year old?

RSV is an infectious disease that can be serious in young children, especially those under the age of 1. It can cause bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the lower airways, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.

Do you quarantine with RSV?

If you have RSV, stay home as much as possible until you're no longer contagious. If you go out, wear a mask. And make sure to avoid people who are at risk for serious RSV infection, including infants, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Can my child go to school with RSV?

If my child has this disease, when can he or she return to school or child care? A child with RSV can return after it has been 8 days since symptoms started.

Should adults with RSV stay home?

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing, or sneeze and cough into your elbow. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with others who have coughs, colds, or are sick with a known RSV infection. Stay home if you are sick. Don't share cups, bottles, or any objects.

What happens if RSV is left untreated?

What if RSV goes untreated? For most healthy infants without a heart or lung condition, RSV is similar to the common cold. In children with a weaker immune system, untreated RSV can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis (swelling of the smaller airways in the lungs). Sometimes these children have to stay in the hospital.