Because RSV can lead to more serious outcomes than the common cold, diagnosing it early is important for people in high-risk groups. “RSV can cause a particularly severe form of what's called bronchiolitis, an infection or inflammation of the small airways, particularly in young children,” says Dr. Winslow.
In adults and older children, RSV is typically a mild illness very similar to the common cold. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe.
Coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are two kinds of respiratory illnesses that have some similar symptoms. So far, the new coronavirus appears to be more dangerous for adults, especially older ones.
RSV can cause more serious health problems
But some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.
RSV symptoms are typically at their worst on days 3 through 5 of illness. Fortunately, almost all children recover from an RSV infection on their own.
Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. 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.
Usually, as an adult, when you become ill with RSV you have mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and a headache. But sometimes, and for some people, you can become so ill you need to be hospitalized. And each year in the United States thousands of older adults die of complications from RSV.
When an adult gets RSV infection, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop a lung infection or pneumonia. RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of serious conditions such as: Asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe.
In adults and older, healthy children, RSV symptoms are mild and typically mimic the common cold. Self-care measures are usually all that's needed to relieve any discomfort.
Call your child's health care provider if your child: seems sick, shows signs of RSV and is less than 6 months of age or at high risk. has thick mucus from the nose or mouth that is yellow, green or gray.
The child may also have a hoarse cough and a very congested rattling in the chest, which often worsens during the night. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms and the condition of your child, you may call your pediatrician for advice.
Antibiotics aren't used because RSV is a virus — antibiotics work only against bacteria. RSV infection can be more serious in babies and toddlers, though. Some might need treatment in a hospital where they can be watched closely and get supportive treatment for any breathing problems or dehydration.
Most cases are mild, but for some children, an ordinary cold or flu can quickly turn into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Severe cases may require emergency department treatment or hospitalization.
Seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department if you or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection has: Difficulty breathing. High fever. Bluish color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.
What Are the Symptoms of RSV? Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties. Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days.
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In babies under 6 months of age, the symptoms may be limited to irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite, or trouble breathing.
Most people with RSV remain contagious for 3 to 8 days. Young infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for weeks. People can be contagious even if they don't have a fever or any other RSV symptoms. If you have RSV, stay home as much as possible until you're no longer contagious.
Isolation precautions should be maintained based on the patient and the organism: For Influenza or RSV illness, precautions should be implemented at the onset of signs and symptoms. In NICU patients with Influenza contact precautions should be used in addition to droplet isolation precautions.
For older children and adults, keep a steady supply of cool water at the bedside. Offer warm fluids, such as soup, which may help loosen thickened secretions. Ice pops may be soothing as well. Try saline nasal drops.
Rapid breathing at a rate of over 40 breaths per minute. Tight breathing (having to work hard to push air out). Coughing (may cough up very sticky mucus).
Strained breathing, high fever, thick nasal discharge, and a worsening cough that produces yellow, green, or gray mucus are all signs of a worsening or severe illness. “RSV symptoms can lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.