RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
syncytial · sin · SISH · uhl
A common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people get cold-like symptoms, but RSV can cause more serious illness in infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people experience symptoms similar to a cold, but RSV can cause more serious illness in infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.
RSV is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections during the fall and winter months and is a common reason for hospital visits among young children. Vaccination and preventative antibody products can greatly reduce the risk of serious illness requiring hospitalization. Talk to your healthcare provider or local public health unit to learn what RSV prevention options may be available to you and your family.
Who is at higher risk?
Anyone can get RSV, but some people are more likely to become seriously ill:
- Infants, especially babies under 6 months of age
- People with chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, asthma, diabetes, heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- Residents of long-term care and retirement homes or other chronic care facilities
How does it spread?
RSV spreads easily from person to person through:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Close contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing drinks
Vaccines and preventive products
Vaccines and preventive products are available to help protect people at higher risk of severe RSV illness.
Older adults
Publicly funded RSV vaccines are available for adults aged 75 years and older, as well as high-risk adults aged 60-74. RSV vaccines help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications.
Infants and high-risk children
In Ontario, the RSV prevention program includes two products to help protect infants and high-risk children: monoclonal antibodies available to all infants and high-risk children under 2 years of age and a vaccine given during pregnancy for those delivering during the RSV season.
Ways to protect yourself
- Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)
- Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms or are visiting high-risk individuals
- Stay home when you are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccines
Why precautions are necessary
RSV spreads easily from person to person, and people are contagious before and after symptoms appear. Extra precautions (contact and droplet) are used.
Contact and Droplet precautions may include
- A private room when one is available
- Wearing a mask, gloves, gowns and eye protection for care activities
- Limiting patient movement outside the room
- Hand hygiene before and after contact
Cleaning helps
RSV can survive on surfaces for several hours, so cleaning matters. Important measures include:
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces
- Cleaning and disinfecting shared toys and equipment
- Frequent cleaning of door handles, railings, and light switches
- Cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment between uses
Common high-touch surfaces:
Treatment & recovery
There is no specific cure for most RSV infections. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get extra rest
- Use fever-reducing medications as directed
- Eat nutritious foods when able
When to seek care
Contact a healthcare provider if you or your child has:
- High fever that does not improve
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Bluish lips or skin
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, dizziness)
- Unusual sleepiness, difficulty waking, or poor feeding in infants
Looking after yourself at home
Rest and Rehydrate
Drink plenty of fluids, get extra rest, and give your body time to recover. Most people recover fully with supportive care.
Stay Home
Stay home when possible and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of RSV.
Keep It Clean
Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces every day.
Protect Those at Higher Risk
Avoid exposing infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems to coughs, sneezes, and other respiratory secretions.
RSV in one breath
RSV is a common respiratory virus that spreads easily through close contact and respiratory droplets. While most infections are mild, RSV can cause serious illness in infants, older adults, and vulnerable individuals. Good hand hygiene, vaccination when eligible, staying home when sick, and following infection prevention measures can help protect you and those around you.
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