What is RSV?

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It’s a very common virus that can be easily passed from person to person.1,2

In babies, RSV generally causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. But in babies with certain risk factors, it can cause serious lung infections that need to be treated at a hospital.3,4

What are the symptoms of an RSV infection?

Most children do not experience serious RSV infections. But in those who do, the RSV infection can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. These symptoms can include fever, shallow or rapid breathing, coughing, wheezing, decrease in appetite, and a blue colour to the skin.3,4

If your baby is showing more serious symptoms or is considered to be at high risk for serious complications from an RSV infection, talk to your doctor.3,4

Explore sounds of RSV symptoms

By clicking on the icons below.4-7
Fever Icon
Fever

≥38 °C | ≥100.4 °F

Nose
Nose

Congestion

Baby icon
Skin

Bluish in colour

Coughing Icon
Cough

Wet and forceful

LUNGS
Lungs

Fast breathing or wheezing
You hear a whistle sound when the baby breathes

When is RSV Season?

RSV outbreaks can happen any time of year. They usually happen during colder, wintry months, and last for an average of 5 months. Since RSV seasons can vary by region, it’s always best to ask your doctor about when it occurs in your area.8-9

North of the equator

RSV season begins sometime between September and December.8,9

Near the equator

RSV occurs year-round with some increase in the rainy season.8,9

South of the equator

RSV season begins sometime between March and June.8,9

How are RSV infections treated?

There is no cure for RSV. Antibiotics are only helpful for infections caused by bacteria, not viruses. However, your doctor can recommend ways to make your baby more comfortable and can let you know what signs to watch for that may mean the infection is becoming more serious and may require hospital care.1,10-12

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent RSV, but there are medicines that might help if your child is at risk for serious RSV infections.10

When should you call a doctor?

While not common, these symptoms may worsen and could indicate a serious RSV infection:1,4

How does RSV spread?

RSV is spread easily through sneezing, coughing, or by touching something that might have the virus on it.

Sneezing or coughing

RSV can be spread from person to person by sneezing or coughing

Person-to-person contact

Person-to-person contact, such as kissing or sharing cups/eating utensils

Unwashed hands

RSV can survive 30 minutes or more on unwashed hands

Objects or surfaces

RSV can survive up to 6 hours on surfaces such as toys, keyboards, or doorknobs

References: 1. Jones A. RSV: when it’s more than just a cold. HealthyChildren.org. Updated November 4, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2020. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx 2. Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis. Pediatr Rev. 2014;35(12):519-530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519 3. Goldstein M, Phillips R, DeVincenzo JP, et al. National Perinatal Association 2018 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Clinical Practice Guideline: an evidence-based interdisciplinary collaboration. Neonatology Today. 2017;12:1-27. 4. Mayo Clinic. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms & causes. July 22, 2017. Accessed June 24, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098 5. RSV infection (respiratory syncytial virus). Nationwide Children’s. Updated 2021. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv 6. Respiratory syncytial virus in children and adults. Cleveland Clinic. Updated April 2, 2020. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8282-respiratory-syncytial-virus-in-children-and-adults 7. How to tell if your child’s cough is serious. Unity Point Health. Published July 19, 2021. Accessed April 26, 2022. https://www.unitypoint.org/article.aspx?id=fb300610-bb1e-409a-90ad-60eb42587f1c
8. Li Y, Reeves RM, Wang X, et al. Global patterns in monthly activity of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and metapneumovirus: a systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2019;7(8):e1031-e1045. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30264-5 9. Obando-Pacheco P, Justicia-Grande AJ, Rivero-Calle I, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus seasonality: a global overview. J Infect Dis. 2018;217(9):1356-1364. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiy056 10. Resch B. Product review on the monoclonal antibody palivizumab for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017;13(9):2138-2149. doi:10.1080/21645515.2017.1337614 11. Mayo Clinic. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): diagnosis & treatment. July 22, 2017. Accessed June 24, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353104 12. Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV): symptoms and care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated June 26, 2018. Accessed December 4, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html