RSV Prevention and Management
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that spreads easily and is a leading cause of serious lung infections in infants.1,2
On this page, you’ll discover ways to help prevent and manage RSV infections.
How does RSV spread?
RSV can be spread through droplets from the nose and mouth, which can be transferred via coughs, sneezes, and close physical contact, like cuddles and kisses.3
RSV can survive on hard surfaces, such as toys, cribs, and utensils, for many hours. It can then spread to babies if they touch these surfaces before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.2-3
RSV infections occur throughout the year in Hong Kong and are highly transmissible.5 Studies show that RSV is up to four times more contagious than influenza.6-7
Anyone can be a carrier of RSV
RSV is Highly Contagious!
Each person infected with RSV can spread the virus to an average of 4.5 people,6 allowing it to circulate widely in the community.8-10
An RSV infection can cause common cold-like symptoms.2 Most people will be unaware that they’re infected with RSV, which is why it can easily be spread to others.2-4
Babies often catch RSV in places such as daycare centers or playing areas, as well as from older siblings who have been infected with RSV outside the home such as at school.3 It’s possible for anyone to be a momentary carrier of RSV – in other words, they won’t display signs or symptoms of the illness, but are still able to pass it to someone else.3
Overall, adults in good health are less likely to have symptoms of RSV compared with higher-risk individuals (e.g., babies, elderly patients, and people with weakened immune systems).11
How to help protect babies against RSV
Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene5
- Wash hands frequently and avoid touching the face
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing
- Regularly disinfect surfaces, toys, and utensils
- Keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell
Unlike other viral virus, there are currently no specific treatments for RSV, and it is generally managed with supportive care and symptom relief.
While most cases of RSV infection cause mild disease, severe disease can develop rapidly2-4,12 and can affect any baby.13-19 So taking steps to reduce the chances of RSV transmission is very important.
Preventative Antibodies Are an Option Available for Protection Against RSV Disease in Babies
What are antibodies and how do they work?
- Your immune system makes antibodies to fight off infections and protect against illness.23-25
- Preventative antibodies are man-made proteins that mimic the antibodies our bodies naturally produce.26
- During their first year of life, babies are too young to develop enough effective antibodies against RSV.27-28 Preventative antibodies are given by injection for protection against RSV disease.22-23
Understanding immunity: Active vs. Passive
Immunity refers to the body’s defense mechanisms against invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It is categorized into following:
- Active immunization: Developed through the body’s own immune response (e.g., through vaccination)20
- Passive immunization: Provided by transferring ready-made antibodies into individuals with weaker immune systems (e.g., maternal antibodies passed through the placenta or preventive antibody injections)20
If you’re worried about your child’s health, seek medical advice.
RSV disease management
RSV’s contagious period
A person with RSV disease may be contagious days before developing any symptoms.3
People are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, but some babies can be contagious for up to 4 weeks, even after symptoms have disappeared.3
RSV disease progression phases in babies³,²¹
Adapted from Eiland L. 2009 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
When concerned about the health of your child, seek medical advice.
Please note: This is an illustration of the common pattern of illness due to RSV, but time period and symptoms may vary between individuals.
Click here for answers to the most frequently asked questions about RSV.
Footnotes & references
RSV, respiratory syncytial virus.
1. Chatterjee A et al. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10: S5–S16.
2. Piedimonte G and Perez MK. Pediatr Rev 2014; 35(12): 519–530.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of RSV. Available at
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/symptoms/ (Accessed: July 2025).
4. Coultas JA et al. Thorax 2019; 74(10): 986–993.
5. Centre for Health Protection (DoH HK). Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection 2025. Available at https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/36.html (Accessed: July 2025).
6. Reis J and Shaman J. Infect Dis Model 2018; 3: 23–34.
7. Liu L et al. Front Public Health 2021; 9(587425): 1–10.
8. Kombe IK.et al. Sci Rep. 2021;11:1463.
9. Thomas E et al. J Infect Dis. 2021;223(5): 811-817.
10. Hall CB, et al. N Engl J Med. 1976 Feb 19;294(8):414-9.
11. Kaler J et al. Cureus 2023; 15: e36342.
12. Smyth RL and Breary SP. Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine. Bronchiolitis, Elsevier Ltd. 2006.
13. Demont C et al. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21(1): 730.
14. Sanchez-Luna M et al. Curr Med Res Opin 2016; 32(4): 693‒698.
15. Kobayashi Y et al. Pediatr Int 2021; 64(1): e14957.
16. Hartmann K et al. J Infect Dis 2022; 226(3): 386‒395.
17. Yu J et al. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25(6): 1127‒1135.
18. Thwaites R et al. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179(5): 791‒799.
19. Arriola C et al. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2020; 9(5): 587–595 (Suppl Appendix).
20. Red Book: 2024–2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases By: Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics Edited by: David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Ritu Banerjee, MD, PhD, FAAP, Elizabeth D. Barnett, MD, FAAP, Ruth Lynfield, MD, FAAP, Mark H. Sawyer, MD, FAAP. Available at https://doi.org/10.1542/9781610027373 (Accessed: July 2025).
21. Eiland LS. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2009; 14(2): 75–85.
22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RSV Prevention. Available at: www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html (Accessed: September 2023).
23. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Immunity Types. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm (Accessed: September 2023).
24. Lambert L et al. Front Immunol 2014; 5: 466
25. Esposito S et al. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12(7): 1700–1706.
26. American Cancer Society (ACS). Monoclonal Antibodies and their side effects. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy/monoclonal-antibodies.html (Accessed: September 2023).
27. Simon AK et al. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 282(1821): 20143085.
28. Verwey C and Madhi SA. BioDrugs 2023; 37: 295–309.