RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
الفيروس المخلوي التنفسي (RSV)
A common respiratory virus causing cold-like symptoms in most people, but capable of causing serious lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic heart or lung disease. Most healthy adults and older children recover within one to two weeks without specific treatment.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Almost all children are infected by age two. In most people it causes cold-like symptoms.
In infants, older adults and people with heart, lung or immune problems, RSV can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia and breathing difficulty.
Most cases are managed at home with rest, fluids and symptom relief. Babies with feeding difficulty or laboured breathing need urgent medical care. Vaccines and preventive antibody treatments now exist for certain groups — ask your doctor what is available and suitable.
Symptoms
Runny nose and sneezing
Cough
Sometimes with wheezing.
Fever
Often mild.
Reduced appetite or poor feeding in babies
Irritability and tiredness in infants
Fast or laboured breathing
A sign of lower-airway involvement.
Wheezing
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Infection with respiratory syncytial virus — Spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes and through contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Seasonal circulation — Outbreaks often occur in the cooler months.
Risk factors
- Premature birth
- Infants under 6 months
- Congenital heart or chronic lung disease
- Weakened immune system
- Older age, particularly over 60–65
- Attending nursery or crowded settings
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
How is it diagnosed?
RSV is usually diagnosed from symptoms and season. Tests are used in hospital or high-risk settings.
Clinical assessment
Symptoms, breathing rate, oxygen level and feeding in infants.
Nasal swab test
Rapid antigen or PCR test to confirm RSV.
Chest X-ray and other tests
Only if pneumonia or another complication is suspected.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral cure for most people. Treatment is supportive; babies and adults with severe illness may need hospital care.
Rest and fluids
Encourage feeding and fluids, and treat fever as advised.
Clearing the nose
Saline drops or gentle suction can help babies feed.
Hospital care for severe cases
Oxygen, help with feeding or fluids, and breathing support when needed.
Preventive options
RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant women, and antibody products for infants, are available in many places — a doctor can advise.
Don't give aspirin to children, and avoid cough medicines in young children unless a doctor advises them.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- A baby with a cold who is feeding poorly or has fewer wet nappies
- Fever in a baby under 3 months
- Cough or wheeze lasting more than a week
- An older adult or someone with heart or lung disease with a persistent cough
- Symptoms that worsen after a few days
Seek urgent care if
- Fast, laboured or noisy breathing, or the chest pulling in with each breath
- Pauses in breathing or grunting
- Blue or grey lips or skin
- A baby who is very drowsy, floppy or difficult to wake
- Signs of dehydration
Prevention
Wash hands often
And clean commonly touched surfaces.
Avoid close contact when ill
Keep babies away from people with colds.
Avoid tobacco smoke around children
Discuss RSV vaccine and preventive antibody options
For infants, pregnant women and older adults.
Frequently asked questions
What is RSV?
A common respiratory virus that causes cold-like illness and can cause serious lung infection in infants and older adults.
Who is most at risk from RSV?
Premature babies, infants under six months, people with heart or lung conditions or weak immunity, and older adults.
Is RSV contagious?
Yes. It spreads easily through droplets and touching contaminated surfaces.
How long does RSV last?
Mild infection usually improves in one to two weeks; cough can linger longer.
Is there a vaccine for RSV?
Vaccines are now available in many countries for older adults and pregnant women, and an antibody product for infants. Ask a doctor what is available and suitable for you.
When should I take my baby to a doctor?
If they are feeding poorly, breathing fast or with effort, are unusually drowsy, or have a fever if under three months.
Related specialties
Related services & tests
Related conditions
Related articles
Looking for a doctor?
Find a specialist who treats this condition, and compare profiles before you book.
Medical sources
This page summarizes general information from the sources below.