Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. People can get infected at any age. Most people recover quickly without medical care, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults, who may need to be hospitalized. RSV typically begins increasing in October and peaks in December.
RSV spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes out droplets that contain the virus. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or on a surface that others may touch. RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces, such as tables and crib rails, but lives on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands for shorter amounts of time.
Prevent the spread of RSV
The RSV vaccine is available to adults 60 years and older, and a preventive monoclonal antibody medication (nirsevimab) is available for infants. Talk with your health care provider to see if these options are right for you or your infant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all infants under eight months, and some older babies at increased risk of severe RSV, receive one dose of nirsevimab before or during the RSV season. For a small group of children between the ages of eight and 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, such as children who are severely immunocompromised, a dose is recommended in their second season. Nirsevimab (also known as Beyfortus) has been shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and health care visits for RSV in infants by approximately 80 percent.
Other ways to prevent RSV include
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and mobile devices
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Symptoms of RSV
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected.
Symptoms of RSV infection usually include
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.
People can be infected with RSV more than once, and at any age. Most people recover in a week or two, but infants, children and older adults with heart or lung issues, and people with wakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children less than one year of age.
What should you do if you have RSV?
People who are sick with RSV follow their health care provider’s advice. For people with mild symptoms, medical professionals may suggest resting, drinking fluids and using over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever.
People at higher risk of serious RSV complications should talk with their health care provider about further care.
Current Allegheny County RSV Data
View Current Weekly RSV Data(PDF, 313KB)