Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes outbreaks from fall to early spring in Canada. It mainly affects the throat and lungs and is a common cause of lower airway illness (bronchiolitis) in infants and children. By the age of two, most children will have experienced an RSV infection. 

While most people will experience mild symptoms and recover quickly, some people experience severe lower respiratory tract infections that require hospitalization.

Your health-care provider may suspect RSV based on symptoms, examination and the time of year the virus is circulating. RSV can be confirmed by testing a sample of the fluid from the back of your nose and throat.

Symptoms usually begin two to eight days after exposure and they may include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever and a decrease in appetite and energy. In infants, symptoms may include irritability, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite or feeding and decreased activity. 

RSV is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, talking and by contact with contaminated hands and surfaces. Infected people are most contagious for approximately one to two days before symptoms begin to eight days after symptom onset, possibly longer if immunocompromised or very ill (up to four weeks). 

Anyone can get RSV. The elderly, people who are immunocompromised or live with chronic illnesses (such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes), premature infants, babies under six months of age, and small children are most likely to develop complications. Reinfection is usually less severe. 

Co-infection with other respiratory illnesses may increase your risk of complications. This risk can be reduced by remaining up to date on vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

Drink plenty of fluids and get your rest. For pain or fever, you can take medicine by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask your health-care provider what medicine is best. Seek medical attention if signs and symptoms are worsening.  

Laboratories must notify Public Health of cases of RSV. In turn, Public Health monitors the number and trends of RSV (and other respiratory illnesses) in the community, lab samples submitted to regional labs, types of virus strains, outbreaks in different settings such as nursing homes and schools and hospitalizations and deaths associated with respiratory illness.

The best way to prevent RSV is by avoiding others with symptoms of respiratory illness and by washing your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Maintain your overall wellbeing by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and eating healthy. 

People who are at high risk of complications from RSV should ask their primary care provider if they are eligible for RSV vaccines. 

If you develop symptoms of respiratory illness: 

• stay at home until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving
• cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or with a tissue
• wash your hands with soap and running water after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose and before touching other people or objects
• when visiting the doctor, call ahead to see if the doctor can place you in a separate waiting area and ask for a mask if you are coughing and have to wait near other people

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.