Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common and contagious respiratory virus. It is responsible for respiratory tract and lung infections.
RSV infection can occur at any age, but it is the main cause of respiratory infections in young children. Most children will have had an RSV infection by the age of 2. The infection usually clears up on its own in 1 to 2 weeks, without medical consultation or treatment. However, it can also cause serious complications, particularly in babies, young children and the elderly.
RSV infections generally occur from late autumn to early spring, during the coldest months of the year.
RSV is transmitted from one person to another by droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person.
Symptoms
Symptoms of RSV infection can resemble those of a cold or flu. Symptoms may include:
nasal congestion or runny nose
sore throat
coughing
fatigue;
fever;
wheezing;
loss of appetite and energy;
irritability in children.
It can take from 2 to 8 days between exposure to RSV and the onset of symptoms. This is known as the incubation period.
When to Consult
Most healthy people recover from RSV infection without any special treatment and get better in 7 to 14 days.
RSV infection can cause a more serious infection or aggravate existing medical conditions, leading to hospitalization and even death.
RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants. Between 20% and 30% of infants develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia the first time they are infected with RSV.
Immunization is the best way to protect against RSV infections and their complications. It involves the administration of a preventive treatment or vaccine to help the body defend itself against disease. In Quebec, RSV immunization is offered free of charge to eligible individuals.