RSV is very contagious and can live on surfaces for several hours, and on unwashed hands for 30–60 minutes. RSV spreads quickly and easily among children through coughing and sneezing, and sharing cups and other objects that have been in contact with the infected child's mouth, nose or eyes.
Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or childcare centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.
The acute phase of RSV generally lasts for about a week, with the worst symptoms coming at around the third and fourth days, then gradually improving. The cough may last for weeks. Children are thought to be contagious for 5-8 days, but some children can infect others for as long as a month.
Parents and other adults can easily infect young children with RSV. Because RSV symptoms resemble those of the common cold (runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, and sometimes a fever), parents and other adults may not realize they are infected with the virus but can still be contagious.
Prevent children from sharing cups, glasses and utensils. Clean and disinfect all surfaces on a regular basis, as well as after contact with ill children. Clean and disinfect toys on a regular basis, as well as after contact with ill children.
Symptoms generally begin four to six days after exposure. Symptoms generally develop slowly over a period of several days. The contagious period is usually less than 10 days after symptoms begin, but occasionally is longer.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus can also infect adults.
People can get RSV through direct contact, like kissing a child's face who has RSV. The virus also can survive on hard surfaces for many hours.
Because RSV can spread easily by touching infected people or surfaces, washing hands well and often can help stop it. Wash your hands after being around someone who has cold symptoms. School-age kids who have a cold should keep away from younger siblings — especially babies — until their symptoms clear up.
Experts recommend staying home for 8 days from the time you first get sick. It's likely that if one person in your home is sick, others will be sick soon, too. If possible, consider keeping everyone home to limit the spread of RSV to others.
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.
To prevent nosocomial spread, infants and young children with suspected RSV infection should be placed on contact isolation.
Because RSV is so contagious, doctors recommend keeping your child at home until all symptoms have subsided. This could take up to four weeks but varies based on the severity of their case. Remember that they can still spread the respiratory virus to others even if they feel better.
Coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are two kinds of respiratory illnesses that have some similar symptoms. So far, the new coronavirus appears to be more dangerous for adults, especially older ones.
RSV is very contagious. It can spread through the droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or if you touch a contaminated surface, such as counters or doorknobs (where it can live for hours), then touch your nose, eyes, or mouth without washing or sanitizing your hands.
Generally, children with RSV should be excluded from childcare until they have recovered and are no longer contagious. This exclusion period typically lasts about 5-8 days, but it can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
RSV infection is quite common in young children. According to a 2019 article published by Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, almost all children will get sick with RSV at least once before they reach the age of 2.
Respiratory (droplet) route: Contact with large droplets that form when a child talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth. The droplets do not stay in the air; they usually travel no more than 3 feet and fall onto the ground.
A person is usually infectious for 3 - 8 days after symptoms begin but this may be longer in someone who has a weakened immune system.
Typical symptoms include a cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, mild fevers, and fatigue. More severe symptoms can range anywhere from influenza-like symptoms with more serious cough and wheezing, to pneumonia, the inability to effectively breathe on one's own, and even death.
RSV can be dangerous for certain high-risk adults. Each year in the United States an estimated 60,000 – 120,000 older adults are hospitalized and 6,000 – 10,000 dies from RSV infection.
Anyone can get RSV. However, since our immune systems get weaker as we age, older adults are at greater risk than younger adults.
Stay home if you are sick. Don't share cups, bottles, or any objects. RSV can live on such surfaces for hours (and be transmitted to your hands). If you are prone to sickness or have a weakened immune system, stay away from large crowds of people.
People with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days. They can be contagious a day or two before they show symptoms. Babies and people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) who get the virus can spread it for up to a month.
What Are the Symptoms 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.