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, especially for infants and older adults.
Prevent RSV
Protect your child from RSV:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands and sharing eating utensils, with others
- Cover your coughs & sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, doorknobs and light switches.
Symptoms of RSV
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
For more information on RSV click here.
