What are the symptoms of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, wheezing, headache, and fever with most people recovering after 1 to 2 weeks. In very young infants, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) symptoms may be decreased activity, irritability, and breathing difficulties. RSV symptoms can become severe in some infants and older adults and may require hospitalization.

More severe infections may cause inflammation of the small airways (bronchiolitis) and may also cause pneumonia. RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children under 12 months old.

How to relieve symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Mild RSV Symptoms

• Fever and pain Use over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)
• Rehydration It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Healthcare advice Talk to your healthcare professional before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children. Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you are concerned about symptoms of RSV.

Serious RSV Symptoms

Some people with RSV may need to hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or if they become dehydrated. In these cases, while in the hospital, they may require oxygen to help them breathe or IV fluids if they are unable to drink enough fluids.

If the RSV symptoms are severe, patients may need to be intubated, which is when a breathing tube is inserted through the mouth and down to the airway with mechanical ventilation which helps the person breathe.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and antibodies

RSV vaccines

• The CDC recommends RSV vaccine for infants, toddlers, and adults 60 years and older as they are most at risk of getting very sick with RSV
• Abrysvo can be used by all adults aged 60 years and older, adults aged 18 and older with conditions that put them at high risk of LRTD, and pregnant women from 32 weeks to 36 weeks of pregnancy.
• Arexvy can be used by adults 60 years and older, and adults aged 50 through 59 with conditions that put them at high risk of LRTD.
• mResvia can be used by adults 60 years and older.

Respiratory syncytial virus immunization

Passive immunization with preventive antibody products

RSV antibody products can help prevent severe symptoms of RSV disease in infants and young children.

Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) can be used by infants younger than 8 months of age if they are born during RSV season or entering their first RSV season. Usually, infants that are younger than 8 months old do not need Beyfortus if they were born 14 or more days after their mother has had an RSV vaccine.

Belfortus may also be used for children aged 8 months through 19 months who are entering their second RSV season and have an increased risk of having severe RSV.

Synagis (palivizumab) can be given to children younger than age 24 months old with specific conditions that make them have an increased risk for severe RSV disease. Synagis is given once a month during the RSV season.

See Respiratory syncytial virus vaccinations and immunizations for more information.