​Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

  • It is a respiratory (lung) infection that is caused by a virus.
  • It is NOT a common cold.
  • Infants under 6 months are most likely to have problems

Signs and Symptoms

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Wheezing

Spread

  • Spreads through the air by coughing and sneezing or by direct contact with articles used by the infected person.

Treatment

  • Over time the virus will go away.
  • The goal is to relieve the symptoms while the infection is present and treat any complications should they arise.

Complications

  • Possible complications include ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, or in severe cases, respiratory failure

Prevention

  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and do not share food, drink or eating utensils with others. (teach your children this)
  • It is important to wash your hands with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, wiping a nose, eating or before preparing food.