RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus and is one of the many viruses that begins circulating through the Fall into the Winter. RSV is often thought of as a children’s virus but can affect adults as well. For most, it will cause nothing more than cold-like symptoms. However, for older adults, young children, and those with immunocompromised symptoms, it can be quite dangerous.
The CDC estimates that the virus causes about 2.1 million yearly outpatient visits by children aged five and under. It also causes up to 80,000 hospitalizations per year of young children and anywhere from 100,000–160,000 hospitalizations among older adults as well.
What is RSV
RSV is a common respiratory virus typically spread through the air (someone carrying the virus coughing or sneezing) and the contamination of surfaces. It can last particularly long on surfaces, making it very prevalent in childcare settings. It is a highly contagious virus and very easy to spread; it is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children under two years of age, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It can also affect older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
How RSV Impacts Your Body
RSV symptoms can range from a minor cold to almost flu-like symptoms. They can include a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, fever, and fatigue. Babies sometimes don’t demonstrate traditional symptoms; parents may notice a change in breathing patterns or increased fussiness.
RSV can advance from the upper respiratory tract to the bronchioles (the small airways in the lungs). This progression can lead to bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.
The inflammation causes the bronchioles to swell and produce excess mucus, which can block airflow and make breathing difficult. This results in symptoms like wheezing, rapid breathing, and a persistent cough. Complications can include dehydration, ear infections in young children, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. The virus can be especially dangerous for those with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD and those with congestive heart failure.
Avoiding RSV
RSV can be hard to avoid, but as with the flu or any other virus, basic hygiene like frequent handwashing, changing clothes and bathing children after school, avoiding sharing food and hygiene products, and even wearing a mask in public are good ideas. Many parents with infants may also ask that visitors refrain from holding or kissing a young baby during RSV and flu season.
Since RSV is usually mild for those outside of certain groups, the RSV vaccine is typically only recommended for adults aged 60 and up or those with special health conditions. Pregnant people are also eligible to receive the vaccine between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy, which can give the baby up to six months of immunity. Infants eight months and up are eligible for the monoclonal antibody immunization against RSV for their first RSV season. Children with special health conditions may be offered an annual immunization.
Maintaining optimal health before getting sick is critical, as is any other illness. This includes vaccinating for other illnesses that wreak havoc on your system during the winter, like the flu and COVID-19. An overall healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and other pollutants, and staying on top of chronic conditions can reduce the chance of severe disease. Individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions should meet with their physicians before RSV season to ensure their current condition is as well-managed as possible.
What Happens if You Get RSV
The average child or adult will just need rest and lots of fluid. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can be used to bring down fever. The nasal mucus and cough produced by RSV can be very uncomfortable for infants and young children. A humidifier, nasal saline mist, and regular nose suctioning can help ensure they breathe comfortably. Some children, especially those with asthma or reactive airway disease, may need medication through a nebulizer. Sometimes babies and young children do need to go to the hospital if they are having trouble breathing. Physicians can help monitor them more carefully there and remove mucus from the airways and offer breathing support. Older adults and those with health conditions should also exercise caution if they have RSV and head to the emergency room if they are having any difficulty breathing.
RSV is often seen as a childhood illness, but it poses risks for individuals of all ages, particularly vulnerable populations such as older adults and those with respiratory conditions. As we enter the fall and winter months, being informed about the virus and its potential impact is crucial. Practicing good hygiene, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential to reducing the risk of severe illness.