Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. RSV starts to circulate in the fall and winter months and continues to early spring.

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Symptoms

Most people infected with RSV will experience cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever and a decrease in appetite and energy. Infants may be more irritable and have difficulty breathing, poor appetite and decreased activity. Symptoms often begin 2 to 8 days after exposure to RSV.

Causes

This virus can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and talking. RSV may also spread by touching something that has the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. Some people with compromised immune systems can continue to spread the virus for as long as 4 weeks.

Risk Factors

Although RSV usually causes mild illness, some people infected with RSV need hospitalization. In infants and young children, younger children are more likely to need to go to the hospital due to RSV. Older adults who live in personal care homes and those with certain medical conditions are also at high risk.

Treatment

Usually, RSV infections are mild and clear up on their own in 1 to 2 weeks. If you or your child are infected, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. You can use over-the-counter products, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage fever. Speak to a health care provider if you are unsure of what to take or are unable to use these medications.

If you or your child are having difficulty breathing or showing signs of dehydration (ex. dry mouth, less urine output), seek immediate medical care.

Prevention

To prevent RSV infection:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you are sick:

  • Stay home.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand).
  • Avoid contact with people who are at high risk of severe respiratory infections.

In Manitoba, infants and young children who are at risk of severe RSV infection, such as those with heart or lung disease or those who are born very early, are eligible to receive an antibody medication to protect against RSV through the Manitoba RSV Prophylaxis Program.

Health Canada has approved RSV vaccines for adults 60 years of age and older. In Manitoba, people who are 60 years of age or older and living in a personal care home are eligible to receive a dose free of charge. Please visit manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html for eligibility criteria.

If you have questions about RSV, speak with your primary care provider – your doctor, registered nurse, public health nurse or Nursing Station – or call Health Links-Info Santé (24 hours a day, 204-788-8200; Toll-free 1-888-315-9257).


Additional Resources

For the Public

Vaccine Product Monographs

For Health Care Providers

Other Resources