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What is it?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is caused by a virus and is the most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia among infants and children under 1 year of age. It most commonly appears in mid to late winter and the season may last into early spring (April). RSV is diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal swab.

How do people get RSV infection?

The virus is found in discharges from the nose and throat of an infected person. People can get RSV infection by:

• Breathing in droplets after an infected person has coughed.
• Hand-to-mouth contact after touching an infected person.
• Hand-to-mouth contact with a surface that an infected person has touched or coughed on.

What are the signs and symptoms of RSV infection?

RSV infections can range from very mild illness to serious lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, that occur mostly in the very young, the very old and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms generally begin 3 to 6 days after exposure and the illness lasts for 5 to 10 days. People remain infectious for less than 10 days after symptoms begin, sometimes slightly longer.

Signs and symptoms in young children are usually mild and similar to a cold. They include stuffy nose, cough and sometimes ear infection. In older children and adults, RSV causes upper respiratory infection involving the nose, throat or sinuses.

Children who develop a lower respiratory tract infection often have low-grade fever for several days, a cough that sometimes lasts more than 2 weeks, and respiratory symptoms, such as difficult or rapid breathing and deep coughing. Symptoms in newborns and young infants may include irritability, listlessness and poor feeding.

Who is at risk for RSV infection?

People of any age can be infected. Very young infants, premature infants and children with underlying lung, heart or immune system problems are at high risk for severe RSV disease. The virus can also cause serious illness in elderly persons and in adults with lung disease or weakened immune systems.

How can RSV infection be prevented?

Synagis (Palivizumab) is an injection medication used to prevent RSV infection in babies. It is not a vaccine. Each shot provides a dose of antibodies that help prevent RSV from infecting your baby’s lungs. It is effective for 28 to 30 days.  Therefore, monthly shots are needed during RSV season. For more information about Synagis, visit www.synagis.com.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care covers the full cost of the drug, Palivizumab, in pediatric patients at high risk for RSV disease. Check out the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis for High-Risk Infants Program, for more information.

Covering your cough and sneezes, washing hands thoroughly and often, disposing of tissues properly, and staying home when you’re ill, are important and effective ways to stop the spread of RSV infection.

What is the treatment?

RSV infection must usually run its course. People who develop severe symptoms, such as wheezing, asthma-like breathing problems and high fever, may require hospitalization for oxygen administration, ventilation and fluid therapy. Antibiotics are not effective treatments for viral illnesses, such as RSV.

What precautions can I take?

Many children are contagious with few or no signs of illness. The virus is shed in nasal droplets for days and can survive for 25 minutes on hands and skin, 1-2 hours on clothing, and 8 hours on countertops, toys, etc. Therefore, hand washing can help reduce the spread. In hospitals or long-term care facilities, keeping RSV infected people isolated and away from others, washing hands between patients, and wearing gloves and masks can help limit the spread of the virus. As with any respiratory illness, all people should cover their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. See respiratory etiquette.

For more information please contact your physician or Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.

The Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE)

                 Centers for Disease Control (CDC)