RSV

RSV season generally starts during fall and peaks in the winter. The timing and severity of RSV season in a given community can vary from year to year.

RSV mainly spreads from person to person by droplets. This happens when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are sent through the air and land on the mouth, nose, or eyes of people nearby. RSV may also spread when a person touches droplets on an object or surface and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes before washing their hands.

People are typically infected with RSV for the first time as an infant or toddler and nearly all childrenare infected before their second birthday. However, repeat infections may occur throughout life, andpeople of any age can be infected.

People 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.

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.Symptoms in older, healthy children and adults are generally less severe than among infants and older adults.

People infected with RSV usually have mild symptoms and are able to manage their symptoms on their own. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include the following:

• Congested or runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Sore Throat

In rare cases, individuals may develop serious complications with severe symptoms. Emergency symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Severe cough
• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Bluish color of the skin

Additional emergency symptoms in infants may include:

• Short, shallow and rapid breathing
• Struggling to breathe — chest muscles and skin pull inward with each breath
• Poor feeding
• Unusual tiredness
• Irritability

If you experience emergency symptoms, get medical care right away.

The RSV immunization and monoclonal antibodies are recommended for seasonal use: in the continental US this generally means September through January.

For adults 60 years and older, you can be immunized against RSV. People who are 32-36 weeks pregnant can be immunized against RSV to protect their babies from severe RSV.

For infants, monoclonal antibodies are now available. Monoclonal antibodies are different than immunizations; the protection they provide wanes over time. They provide an extra layer of defense that helps fight RSV infections and protect children from getting very sick.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick. Also, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands after disposing of used tissues. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not your hands.

Wash your hands. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or sanitizers may be used.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are frequently spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Nirsevimab is recommended for all children younger than 8 months during the first RSV season that they may have contact with the virus. Children between 8 and 19 months of age who are at higher risk due to medical conditions or weak immune systems can get Nirsevimab the second RSV season.

Children between 8 and 19 months of age who are American Indian and Alaska Native are also recommended to get Nirsevimab in their second RSV season since they are at more risk of getting severe RSV disease.

The most common side effects of Nirsevimab include:

• Rash
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, or tongue

RSV infection is the leading cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants. Nearly all children are infected with RSV by 2 years of age. 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.

Nirsevimab will be available in health care provider offices in early October 2023.

Adults may receive one dose of RSV vaccine after discussing with their health care provider if the vaccine will be beneficial. People who are 60 or older and have weak immune systems, chronic medical conditions, or live in nursing homes or other medical facilities are at higher risk for severe RSV illness. Those at higher risk may benefit from RSV vaccination.

The most common side effects of RSV vaccines include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Redness
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Headache

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 can help prevent serious illness and can prevent lung infections, like pneumonia.

Most pharmacies in your local area offer RSV vaccine. You can also talk with your primary care provider or local health department.