Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

RSV can spread when:

• An infected person coughs or sneezes
• You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth
• You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
• You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands

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

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. Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or childcare centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.

RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces such as tables and crib rails. It typically lives on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands for shorter amounts of time.

Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight infection. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause severe 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 before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.

RSV vaccines help protect adults 60 years and older from severe RSV illness. Older adults are at greater risk than young adults for serious complications from RSV because immune systems weaken with age. In addition, certain underlying medical conditions may increase the risk of getting very sick from RSV. Older adults with these conditions may especially benefit from getting RSV vaccine. If you are 60 years and older, talk to your healthcare provider to see if RSV vaccination is right for you.

For information about where to find vaccines in your area, visit Vaccine Information for Adults | Where to Find Adult Vaccines | CDC.

You can take everyday prevention measures to help reduce the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses.

• Stay home when sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

Available RSV Vaccines 2024-2025:

• Abrysvo for adults 75 years+ and some adults 60-74 years with increased risk due to chronic medical conditions. Also for pregnant persons 32-36 weeks gestation.
• Beyfortus/Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody for infants less than 8 months old entering first RSV season October through March and some infants 8 months through 19 months meeting specific high risk criteria.

No appointment needed on Walk-In Wednesdays, every Wednesday from 8:00am to 6:00pm through 10/30/24. Or call for an appointment, Call (810) 987-5300 (option 3).

RSV immunizations are recommended for these groups only:

• Three RSV vaccines (Arexvy by GSK and Abrysvo by Pfizerand mRESVIA by Moderna) have been licensed by FDA and recommended by CDC for adults ages 60 and older, using shared clinical decision-making.
• One RSV vaccine (Abrysvo by Pfizer) has been licensed and recommended during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants.
• An RSV preventive antibody has been licensed and recommended for infants and some young children.

Most insurance is accepted. For uninsured adults, cost will vary based on vaccine, income eligibility, and family size.