Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection
RSV infection is a common respiratory illness that can affect persons of any age. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and children under 2 years of age. RSV infection spreads quickly to adults and children alike. Outbreaks of RSV occur almost every year during the winter and early spring.
Cause
Respiratory syncytial virus.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be similar to a mild cold with low-grade or no fever, cough, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal stuffiness, and sneezing. However, the more severe form includes wheezing, as seen in bronchiolitis. Lung congestion can be seen in pneumonia. Infants infected during the first few weeks of life may only show tiredness, irritability, and loss of appetite and may have episodes where they stop breathing for short time periods (apnea) with few other respiratory signs.
RSV infection can be especially serious in infants who were born prematurely or those with heart, lung, or immune system problems. However, severe lower respiratory tract disease may occur at any age, especially in the elderly or those with heart, lung, or immune system problems. People usually have moderate to severe cold-like symptoms. You can have more than one RSV infection during your lifetime.
Spread
By close contact with droplets containing RSV that are expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person during sneezing or coughing. By touching the secretions from the nose and mouth of an infected person and also by touching hands, tissues, or other items soiled with these secretions and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live on hands for one-half hour or more and on environmental surfaces for several hours.
Incubation
It takes 2 to 8 days, usually 4 to 6 days, from the time a person is exposed until symptoms start.
Contagious Period
The virus is usually found in respiratory secretions for 3 to 8 days, although some infants can spread RSV for as long as 3 to 4 weeks.
Exclusion
Child Care: Until fever is gone and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has symptoms of RSV. There is a lab test to detect RSV.
Treatment
Antiviral treatment is not recommended for routine use but may be considered for use in select patients with documented potentially life threatening RSV infection.
Do not give aspirin or salicylate-containing medications to any child or adolescent under 18 years of age.
Prevention/Control
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
- DO NOT share cups, glasses, or eating utensils.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces (doorknobs, refrigerator handle, water faucets, cupboard handles) at least daily.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled. Clean and sanitize all dishes and silverware after each use.
- Certain high-risk infants (e.g., premature babies) can be given a medication to prevent infection. Have the parents/guardians talk to their healthcare provider.
- CDC recommends adults 60 years and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on discussions between the patient and health care provider.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection.
If you think your child has Croup:
- Tell your child care provider.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care:
Yes, until fever is gone and the child is healthy enough for routine activities
- Child Care:
DO NOT give aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines to anyone under 18 years of age.
Symptoms
Your child may have a cough, watery eyes, runny nose or stuffiness, or sneezing. Symptoms may last for 7 days.
People with severe RSV may wheeze and/or have lung congestion. RSV can be serious for premature babies and people with heart, lung, or immune system problems.
If your child is infected, it may take 2 to 8 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By sneezing or coughing.
- By touching contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects.
Contagious Period
For 3 to 8 days. Some infants can spread RSV for up to 4 weeks.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms. Your doctor may want to test for the virus. Infants who are hospitalized may be treated with a special medication called an antiviral drug.
Prevention
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with the secretions from the mouth or nose. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- DO NOT share drink containers and cups or silverware. Wash all dishes with hot soapy water between uses.
- Clean and disinfect anything that comes in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills viruses.
- Some babies, including infants who were born prematurely, can be given a medication to prevent infection. Talk to your healthcare provider.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.