Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that in most people causes just symptoms or mild illness. Babies, children, and older adults are usually more sensitive to the virus and may become much sicker if they catch it.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild illness in most people. However, for babies, young children, and older adults – or anyone else with a weakened immune system – this virus can cause more severe symptoms and serious illness.
RSV affects people of different age groups differently. Infants, young children, and people older than 60 are at
Here’s more information about how RSV affects different age ranges:
Infants and young children are one of the groups that may develop severe illness from RSV. According to the
RSV symptoms in infants and young children
For infants and children, symptoms of RSV can be difficult to tell apart from symptoms of other viral respiratory illnesses.
Early symptoms may include:
In severe cases of RSV, coughing can progress to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
In very young babies, symptoms can also include:
- irritability
- decreased activity or energy
- decreased appetite
- pauses in breathing that last 10 seconds or more (apnea)
Risk factors for RSV in infants and young children
Children under the age of 5 are at a higher risk of catching RSV than older children. Infants and younger children have immune systems that aren’t fully developed yet, but other reasons some children are at a higher risk from RSV include:
- prematurity
- chronic lung disease
- a weakened immune system
- neuromuscular disorders
- difficulty swallowing or coughing up mucus
Teenagers aren’t as likely to become seriously ill from RSV, although certain medical conditions or immune system conditions can increase anyone’s risk of becoming severely ill from RSV.
Symptoms in teens with RSV
Symptoms of RSV in teens include:
- runny nose
- decreased appetite
- cough
- sneezing
- fever
- wheezing
Risk factors for RSV in teens
Most teens and adults develop mild respiratory symptoms from RSV. Symptoms typically begin about
- runny nose
- decreased appetite
- cough
- sneezing
- fever
- wheezing
Like teens, most adults can also have RSV without becoming severely ill. Adults with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions may be at an increased risk.
Symptoms in adults with RSV
Symptoms in adults are similar to those in teens and may include:
- runny nose
- decreased appetite
- cough
- sneezing
- fever
- wheezing
Risk factors for RSV in adults
Risk factors in adults include being exposed to someone with RSV. Adults with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions may have more serious symptoms from RSV.
Adults ages 65 and older fall into the age range
According to the
Symptoms in adults with RSV
Adults ages 65 and older are usually at a greater risk of getting RSV, but symptoms in this group are similar to the ones in younger adults. However, older adults are more likely to develop severe complications from RSV.
The virus can also worsen underlying conditions older adults may have such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and asthma.
Risk factors for RSV in older adults
Adults older than 65 are also at an increased risk because of the fact that immunity decreases with age. However, adults of any age with a weakened immune system or heart or lung problems also have a higher risk of severe illness.
When to get emergency care
Whether you have RSV or another respiratory infection, get immediate medical care if you or your child develop difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of emergency respiratory problems include:
- shortness of breath
- a blue tinge to the lips or nail beds
- dizziness
- loss of consciousness
Because RSV is a viral illness, antibiotics won’t help treat these infections. There are antiviral medications for some viral diseases, but RSV isn’t one of them.
Symptom relief can include the use of medications such as:
- over-the-counter pain relievers
- fever reducers (for children, avoid any products containing aspirin)
- nasal decongestants
If RSV becomes severe, additional treatments may include:
A healthcare professional may suggest some specific steps you can take to keep from getting sick. These can include:
- avoiding people who are sick
- washing your hands well and often
- avoiding touching your face or mouth
Infants and children
The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends a medication called palivizumab for premature infants and very young children who have heart or lung conditions that put them at a high risk of a severe RSV infection. This injection is given roughly every 30 days during RSV season to children younger than 2 who meet certain criteria.
Teens, adults, and older adults
Palivizumab isn’t used in adults. Several options are being investigated for adults of all ages, including vaccines.
Most people make a full recovery from RSV in
High risk groups and people with weakened immune systems can take longer to recover. In some cases, complications, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, may develop and may lead to lasting respiratory problems.
For some infants and older adults, an RSV infection may be fatal.
Is there a vaccine to protect against RSV?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several RSV vaccines for adults and children. Speak with a healthcare professional about whether vaccines are right for you or your child.
What medications are used to treat or cure RSV?
RSV can’t be cured. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms and increasing comfort with things such as fever reducers and decongestants.
What age group gets sickest from RSV?
Infants and older adults are most at risk of developing a severe RSV infection. Without considering age, other high risk groups include people with preexisting heart and lung conditions.
RSV is a viral respiratory infection that’s usually mild but can become severe in certain people. High risk groups include babies, young children, and adults older than 60.
People with heart and lung problems are also at increased risk. If you fall into any of these categories, talk with a healthcare professional about steps you can take to protect yourself.