Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

While many of us don’t give RSV much thought, it can be a serious threat to vulnerable groups. The good news? You can take simple steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Start by learning about RSV here, talking to your health care provider, and getting vaccinated—so you can protect your health and peace of mind.

FAQs | Resources | For Health Care Providers

 

Pregnancy and RSV

Pregnancy and RSV

RSV in infants and children

RSV in infants and children

RSV in older adults

RSV in older adults

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Overview

What is RSV?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. For infants and older adults, RSV can lead to severe illness and long-term effects. In fact, it’s the leading cause of infant hospitalization and results in 6,000 to 10,000 deaths among older adults each year. Luckily, RSV protection is available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the following for certain people to reduce the risk of contracting RSV:

  • Pregnant people should get a one-time dose of the maternal RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their baby. The vaccine is recommended for pregnant people during RSV season, which is usually from September through January in the United States. Learn more about pregnancy and RSV.
  • Infants and some young children should receive monoclonal antibodies to protect them against RSV. Monoclonal antibodies are given as injections and are recommended for different situations. Learn more about RSV in infants and children.
  • Adults ages 75 and older, and those who are ages 60-74 and are at increased risk for RSV, should get a one-time RSV vaccination. Learn more about RSV in older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following frequently asked questions provide information on RSV protection and can help guide conversations with your health care provider.

How do you get RSV?

You can get RSV by:

  • Having the virus touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Touching a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touching your face.

People with RSV are contagious for 3 to 8 days. They can spread RSV a day or two before they show signs of illness. Infants and individuals with weakened immune systems can spread the virus for up to 4 weeks.

New treatments have been developed to reduce the risk of severe RSV. The FAQ "What vaccines are available?" highlights these treatments. 

Read more about RSV and how it affects people on the CDC website.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms typically appear 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus and usually include:

  • Runny nose
  • Decreased appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing

However, some adults can get RSV and not have any symptoms.

Infants may only show the following symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Decreased activity
  • Eating or drinking less
  • Difficulty breathing
Who is at risk?

People most at risk for serious illness include:

  • Infants younger than 6 months of age
  • Young children with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems
  • Adults with weakened immune systems
  • Older adults, especially those with heart or lung disease

Babies, young children, and older adults are most likely to be hospitalized or have severe symptoms from RSV.

Children under 1 year of age are most likely to experience infection or inflammation of the lungs, such as pneumonia.

Older adults may experience trouble breathing or dehydration.

How common is RSV?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. Infants and older adults are at higher risk of developing severe RSV, which may require hospitalization.

  • Nearly all children will get RSV by the age of two, and approximately 50,000-80,000 children under five are hospitalized each year.
  • Each year, approximately 100,000-150,000 adults aged 60 and older are hospitalized in the U.S. due to RSV.
When is RSV season?

In Washington, RSV season typically begins in September and peaks during the winter months.

How can I help reduce the spread of RSV?

You can help limit the spread of RSV in these ways:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that people touch frequently.
  • Stay home when you’re sick.
How do I care for RSV?

Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to treat RSV. Most RSV infections go away on their own within a week or two. However, RSV can cause severe illness in some people. Infants, young children, and older adults are at increased risk of severe RSV. Some people with RSV infection, especially infants younger than 6 months of age and older adults, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated. More information about severe RSV can be found on the CDC’s website.

Take steps to relieve mild symptoms:

  • Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
  • Talk to your health care provider before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines, as some may contain ingredients that are not safe for children.

Visit the CDC website for more information on prevention and diagnosis:

What vaccines are available?

There are different RSV vaccines for different people. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about your options.

  • Pregnant people should get a one-time dose of the vaccine, Abrysvo, between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect their babies. The vaccine is recommended for pregnant people during RSV season, which is usually from September through January in the United States. Learn more about pregnancy and RSV.
  • Infants and some young children should get monoclonal antibodies to protect them against RSV. Two monoclonal antibody products, nirsevimab and palivizumab, are available and are recommended for different situations. Learn more about RSV in infants and children.
  • For adults ages 75 and older, and those who are ages 60-74 and are at increased risk for RSV, there are three RSV one-time vaccines recommended: Arexvy, mResvia, and Abrysvo. Learn more about RSV in older adults.
Where can I or my child get the RSV vaccine?

Contact your health care provider to learn more about RSV vaccines and schedule an appointment.

RSV Protection for Pregnant People

While pregnant people are not at high risk of developing severe illness from RSV, getting vaccinated between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy passes on protection to your baby for their first six months of life, when they are at highest risk of RSV.

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People

Abrysvo, Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, is recommended for use during pregnancy. RSV vaccination during pregnancy provides families with an additional option to protect babies from severe RSV illness.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnant People

The following frequently asked questions provide information on RSV protection and can help guide conversations with your health care provider.

Why is it important for pregnant people to get the RSV vaccine?

Infants and young children are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Each year, RSV causes 50,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths in children under 5 years old in the United States.

Pregnant people should get one dose of the RSV vaccine between 32 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy to ensure protection for their baby. The vaccine is recommended for pregnant people during RSV season, which typically runs from September to January in the United States. Getting vaccinated between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy passes on protection to your baby for their first six months, when they are at highest risk of RSV.

Infants should not get nirsevimab if their parent was vaccinated for RSV at least two weeks before delivery, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection. However, some infants may still need nirsevimab, even if their parent received the RSV vaccine, so it's best to consult with a doctor or nurse. If a parent received abrysvo during a previous pregnancy, they are not recommended to get another dose, and their infant should receive nirsevimab upon birth.

Nearly all children will contract RSV within their first two years of life, and children who contract RSV are more likely to develop asthma and other respiratory issues. Protecting your child from RSV reduces the likelihood of developing severe illness and helps prevent long-term impacts of RSV infection.

What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine during pregnancy?

The most common side effects of the RSV vaccine include:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea

Expecting parents should discuss with their health care provider whether to get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or provide their newborn with nirsevimab, an RSV antibody product.

Where can I get the RSV vaccine?

Talk to your health care provider to schedule an appointment.

RSV Protection for Infants and Young Children

Nearly all children will contract RSV in their first two years of life. Infants and young children are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization – each year, RSV causes 50,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths in children under 5 years old in the United States.

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children less than a year old, and children who contract RSV are more likely to develop asthma and other respiratory issues later in life. Protecting your child from RSV reduces the likelihood of developing severe illness and helps prevent long-term impacts of RSV infection.

Monoclonal Antibody Products for Infants and Young Children

Monoclonal antibody products provide antibodies to help protect against the RSV virus and are given by injection. These products should not be used to treat children who are already infected with RSV. Currently, two products are available:

Nirsevimab (brand name: Beyfortus) is a long-lasting monoclonal antibody product designed to prevent severe illness from RSV in babies and young children with certain risk factors. Protection from nirsevimab lasts for at least five months.

Palivizumab (brand name: Synagis) is another monoclonal antibody product, but it is only for children under 2 years of age who have certain conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease. This treatment is given once a month during RSV season.

Frequently Asked Questions: Infants and Young Children

The following frequently asked questions provide information on RSV protection and can help guide conversations with your health care provider.

When do children get nirsevimab?

Nirsevimab is for infants of people who did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or infants that were born within 14 days of the maternal RSV vaccination. Nirsevimab is recommended for all children younger than 8 months during their first RSV season, when they may be exposed to the virus. Children between 8 and 19 months of age who are at higher risk due to medical conditions or weakened immune systems can receive nirsevimab during their second RSV season as well.

Children between 8 and 19 months of age who are American Indian or Alaska Native should also receive nirsevimab in their second RSV season, as they are at greater risk of developing severe illness from RSV.

What are the side effects of nirsevimab?

The most common side effects of nirsevimab include:

  • Rash
  • Injection site reaction
Why is nirsevimab important?

RSV infection is the leading cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants. Nearly all children are infected with RSV by the age of two.

Each year, RSV causes 50,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths in children younger than 5. Premature infants have higher rates of hospitalization from RSV.

In trials, nirsevimab was effective at reducing lower respiratory tract infections from RSV that require hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Nirsevimab is expected to lower the cost of RSV treatment in children by replacing a more costly monoclonal antibody treatment.

Where do children get nirsevimab?

Talk with your child’s health care provider. Nirsevimab is given as an injection, typically at a pediatrician’s office, clinic, or hospital. Your provider will determine the appropriate location and timing for the injection.

RSV Protection for Older Adults

Older adults are at a higher risk of developing severe RSV, as well as serious illnesses and conditions (such as pneumonia, asthma, and heart failure) as a result of getting RSV. According to the CDC, RSV leads to an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 hospitalizations among seniors each year.

RSV Vaccines for Older Adults

There are three RSV vaccines recommended for adults 60 years of age and older. The vaccines work by causing an immune response that actively protects people if they are exposed to RSV. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single dose of an RSV vaccine for:

  • All adults 75 and older.
  • Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe illness, such as those with weakened immune systems, chronic medical conditions, or who live in nursing homes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Older Adults

The following frequently asked questions provide information on RSV protection and can help guide conversations with your health care provider.

When do older adults get the RSV vaccine?

For adults who have not received the RSV vaccine, the CDC recommends one dose in late summer or early fall for the best protection during the fall and winter virus season. However, adults can get vaccinated at any time of the year.

How long do RSV vaccines work?

The RSV vaccine is currently a one-time dose and is not an annual vaccine like the flu shot. If you’ve already received the vaccine, you do not need another dose before the next RSV season.

What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine?

The most common side effects of the RSV vaccine include:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Redness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
Why is the RSV vaccine important?

RSV infection can be serious, especially in older adults. RSV can sometimes lead to worsening of other medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure.

RSV vaccines help prevent serious illness and can prevent lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Where can I get the RSV vaccine?

The RSV vaccine is available at most local pharmacies. You can also speak with your primary care provider or local health department for more information.

Resources

Vaccine Information Statement and Resources

The Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is given to people at the time of vaccination. It explains the benefits and risks of the specific vaccination.

Additional Resources for the Public

Additional Resources for Health Care Providers

RSV Vaccination for Pregnant People Flyers

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