RSV is a contagious illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus. Although RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, it can be very serious in infants and older adults.
In Colorado, RSV infections generally increase in the fall and peak in the winter. Influenza and other respiratory illnesses also increase during the winter months. Precautions including hand washing, avoiding sick people, and disinfect high-touch surfaces can prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses.
Symptoms of RSV may include runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing, and a decrease in appetite. Young infants with RSV may have irritability, decrease in activity, and difficulty breathing.
RSV is transmitted when tiny droplets from a sick person coughing, sneezing, and talking land in the mouth, nose, or eyes of another person. RSV can also spread when a healthy person touches surfaces or objects with virus on them and then touches their mouth or nose.
Premature infants, young children with congenital heart or chronic lunch disease, young children or adults with a weakened immune system, adults with underlying medical conditions, and older adults are at greatest risk of severe disease.
RSV can be more dangerous for infants than older children and adults. Infants younger than 6 months of age, premature infants, children younger than 2 years with chronic lung or heart disease, children with weakened immune systems, and children with certain neuromuscular disorders are at greatest risk of severe RSV illness. Infants with RSV may not have typical symptoms including runny nose and cough. Instead, they may have irritability, decrease in activity, decrease in appetite, and difficulty or pauses in breathing. If your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or if symptoms are worsening, seek immediate medical attention. If your child is at risk for severe RSV, avoid spending time around sick people, wash your hands often, and disinfect surfaces frequently touched by others. If you are sick, stay home from public places including school and work.
Monoclonal antibody therapy to protect against RSV infection has been approved for infants and toddlers. This treatment acts as a vaccine to prevent RSV infection. Work with your infant’s health care provider to learn more about the monoclonal antibody therapy and to determine if your infant or young child is eligible.
Adults over age 65 may be at increased risk of severe illness from RSV. Adults of any age with chronic heart or lunch disease or weakened immune systems are also at increased risk of severe illness. RSV infection may result in pneumonia or severe complications requiring hospitalization. RSV may also result in the worsening of existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure.
On June 29, 2023, the CDC recommended two new RSV vaccines for adults age 60 and up. Two brands of vaccine are available. Both are equally effective, and both require a single dose of vaccine. The vaccines are expected to be available to the public this fall. Eligible adults will have access to the RSV vaccine after consulting with their health care provider.
If you are at high risk for severe RSV infection, or if you live or interact with those at high risk, take precautions to reduce the chance of infection.
The following precautions can reduce your chance of having an RSV infection:
To prevent RSV in infants and young children, consider limiting their time in childcare facilities or settings with exposure to many people during peak RSV season.
Two RSV vaccines have been approved for older adults, one of which is also approved for use in pregnant women. The 2024 recommendation is for all people aged 75 years or older to receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine along with adults aged 60 years to 74 years who live in nursing homes or have chronic medical conditions including lung or heart disease. Only one dose of RSV vaccine is recommended. If an RSV vaccine was received in the 2023/2024 season, another vaccine in the 2024/2025 season is not recommended. Pregnant women who receive the RSV vaccine provide protection for their newborn infant during the first months of their baby’s life.
Monoclonal antibody therapy to protect against RSV infection has also been approved for infants and toddlers, which acts similar to a vaccine to prevent against RSV infection. All infants age 9 months or younger at the start of the RSV season are recommended to receive this therapy, and children at increased risk of severe illness up to age 19 months may also be eligible. Check with your infant’s doctor to learn more about the RSV monoclonal antibody therapy.
People are usually contagious in the 3-8 days after RSV symptoms begin.
There is no medication to directly treat RSV. For most people, RSV illness resolves within 1-2 weeks. Avoid dehydration by drinking fluids. Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter medication. Do not give cold medication to children before speaking with their healthcare provider.
Stay home when you do not feel well to avoid spreading RSV to infants, children and older adults who may experience severe illness.
