What is respiratory syncytial virus infection?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or 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.

Is RSV the same as Covid?

The flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all highly contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses: The flu by influenza virus, COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RSV by respiratory syncytial virus. It is possible for a person to be infected with multiple viruses at the same time.

How do you catch respiratory syncytial virus?

RSV is spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people when they cough and sneeze. RSV can also spread through dried respiratory secretions on bedclothes and similar items. RSV can remain on hard surfaces for several hours and on skin for shorter amounts of time.

What are the symptoms of human respiratory syncytial virus?

Symptoms

• Runny nose.
• Decrease in appetite.
• Coughing.
• Sneezing.
• Fever.
• Wheezing.

How long is RSV contagious for?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.

Is RSV life threatening?

Infection can happen again anytime throughout life. In high-risk babies, RSV can lead to severe respiratory illness and pneumonia. This may become life-threatening.

Is RSV worse than Covid 19?

So far, the new coronavirus appears to be more dangerous for adults, especially older ones. RSV is riskier for young children, but it can also be serious for older people and those who have other health problems.

Is RSV fatal?

For most children, an initial RSV infection normally occurred within the first 2 years of life. In infants less than 1 year of age and with lower respiratory infection, up to 80\% are due to RSV [1]. In most cases, the virus is not fatal.