What to know
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most RSV infections go away on their own.
- RSV can be serious for babies, some young children, and adults who are older or have certain risk factors.
- Most RSV symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Overview
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.
In very young infants with RSV, their only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
RSV can worsen underlying lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. People with RSV infection and COPD or asthma may need treatment for asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups.
When to seek emergency care
Call your healthcare professional if you or your child are having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
Care
Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight RSV. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause serious illness in some people.
Take steps to relieve 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 enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
- Talk to your healthcare provider about non-prescription medicines.
- For children: Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children or may interfere with prescription medicines.
- For adults who are older or at increased risk of severe RSV disease: Some over-the-counter medications may increase blood pressure or interfere with prescription medicines.