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  1. Also known as: RSV infection, human orthopneumovirus
    A viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by the virus Respiratory syncytial viru. This commonly affects children below the age of 2 years.
    Condition Highlight
    Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several days or weeks
    Is condition preventable by vaccine?
    May be preventable by vaccine
    How is condition transmitted?
    Transmitted through airborne exposure
    Condition Highlight
    Common for ages 2 and younger
    See more

    Causes

    Verified Expert

    Infection is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. The virus enters the body through eyes, nose or mouth.

    • Spreads via infected droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing of an infected person
    • Direct contact with an infected person e.g. handshakes

    The risks are high among

    • Children less than age 2 years
    • Premature infants
    • Children with weak immune system
    • Children in crowded child care centers
    • Adults with asthma or other lung and heart diseases
    • Persons with weak immune system

    See more

    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    The symptoms depends on the severity, age and health of the infected person.

    Mild flu-like symptoms in older children and adults such as

    • Stuffy and runny nose
    • Mild headache
    • Mild cough
    • Mild fever
    • Sore throat

    Severe symptoms in children and the immunocompromised include

    • Discoloration of skin
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Rapid breathing
    • Wheezing
    • Severe cough
    • Fever

    See more

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Physical examination followed by laboratory tests are done to ascertain the condition.

    Common tests & procedures

    Physical examination: To check for abnormal breathing sounds.

    Viral detection test: A swab of the nasal drainage can be analyzed to detect the presence of the virus.

    X-ray: To rule out any other conditions causing similar symptoms.

    See more
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  1. Is RSV contagious?

    Answered by verified global health professionals
    Dr. Anet VargheseDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of exp

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. 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.

    See all questions on Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus

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  2. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a seasonal, highly contagious respiratory virus that often feels like a common cold. But infants and some adults face a higher risk of severe symptoms and complications. Treatment usually involves at-home care. Some people need oxygen, fluids or other care at a hospital to fully recover.
    my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-respirat…
    RSV is a viral infection that can lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs. The peak time for RSV to spread is during fall and winter. Most children and adults with RSV will have mild symptoms similar to the common cold and recover in one to two weeks.
    www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-di…
    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can lead to an upper respiratory infection in adults of all ages. Most people think of RSV as a virus that affects babies and kids. RSV spreads easily among children and can lead to severe symptoms, especially in infants. But RSV affects adults, too, and can sometimes be life-threatening.
    my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-in-adults
    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common viral respiratory infection. It causes an illness akin to a common cold but can cause severe, and even deadly, lung and airway infections in the very young and in people 60 and older. Many people won’t be able to tell RSV from a common cold or flu bug.
    www.verywellhealth.com/rsv-diagnosis-7642414
  3. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

  4. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | RSV | CDC - Centers …

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  5. RSV in Adults: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Risk - Cleveland …

  6. How RSV Spreads | RSV | CDC - Centers for Disease …

    Aug 30, 2024 · RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by direct contact with someone who has RSV, or by touching a contaminated surface. In most regions of the United States, RSV season generally starts …

  7. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) - Cleveland Clinic

    Nov 15, 2023 · RSV is a seasonal, highly contagious respiratory virus that often feels like a common cold. Learn how to recognize the signs, prevent the infection and manage the symptoms at home or in the hospital.

  8. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

    Oct 4, 2023 · Learn about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of respiratory infections in infants and older adults. Find out how to recognize the symptoms, when to seek medical help, and what to do at home to ease …

  9. About RSV | RSV | CDC - Centers for Disease Control …

    RSV is a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and can cause mild or severe illness, especially in infants and older adults. Learn how RSV spreads, who is at risk, and how to prevent it with immunizations.

  10. Treating RSV in adults: What to expect - Mayo Clinic …

    Sep 19, 2023 · Treating RSV in adults: What to expect. RSV is mild for most adults — but life-threatening for some. Here's how the virus is managed, from at-home treatments to hospitalization.

  11. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Everything You Need to Know

  12. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - NHS