logo

Frequently Asked Questions

This is the place for you to find answers to frequently asked questions about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

How can my baby get RSV?

RSV is easily spread through coughs, sneezes, and close physical contact, like cuddles and kisses.1,2

An RSV infection can cause mild, cold-like symptoms,1 but most people may not realize they're infected with RSV and may spread the virus to others.3 Research has shown that RSV is mostly spread to babies by older siblings or other children.2,4

RSV can also survive on soft surfaces, such as clothing and fabrics, as well as hard surfaces, such as toys and utensils, for many hours. It can then spread to babies if they touch the infected surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.1,2

How can I help protect my baby against RSV disease

 

Like most viruses the best ways to prevent transmission are:3

  • Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing (with a tissue or your elbow)
  • Wearing a mask when you have symptoms to protect other people
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water or using a sanitizer when water is not available
  • Staying home when you/your child are not well

Can RSV cause serious illness?

RSV usually causes mild illness but, in some babies, it can become severe within just a few days,5 potentially leading to lung infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.1 These infections can cause swelling in the airways, which may make it harder for babies to breathe.6

Signs that a baby is struggling to breathe can include wheezing, grunting, or breathing faster than usual.*6

 

* Please note: this is not a complete list, other symptoms can occur and infants may not experience all of these symptoms. Other infections may also cause similar symptoms. When you are concerned about your child's health, seek medical advice.

 

What age group does RSV disease affect?

RSV can affect people of all ages, but it can be particularly severe in babies and older adults.7

 

Icono de un virus.

RSV management

Is there a treatment for RSV disease?

There are currently no specific treatments for RSV, and it is generally managed with supportive care and symptom relief.1,3,9 Most cases are mild, 1 and resolve within a week or two.9 But in severe cases, treatment may include oxygen, feeding support, and hydration.1

Can a newborn regulate their temperature if they get a fever from RSV?

Babies are unable to regulate their body temperature in the same way adults can. It is very important for them to maintain a stable body temperature, particularly if they are born premature or are sick.10

Babies with RSV can experience high temperatures or fever.11

What can I do to relieve my baby's RSV-related symptoms?

Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight infection. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause severe illness in some people.9

Take steps to relieve symptoms:9

  • Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (never give aspirin to children)*
  • Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with an RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids)
  • Talk to your healthcare provider before giving a child non-prescription cold medicine. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children

Call your healthcare provider if your child has difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

RSV and pregnancy

Am I at greater risk of RSV infection if I am pregnant?

RSV in pregnancy isn't well studied but evidence suggests RSV infections in pregnant women are rare, occurring in around 2 in 1,000 pregnancies.10

Speak to to your healthcare provider to learn more.

Is there a higher risk of RSV if my baby is born early?

Infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) are at higher risk of serious RSV infection than those born at term (37 weeks of pregnancy or more).17

Speak to to your healthcare provider to learn more.

Icono de una persona.

RSV and adults

Can parents be carriers of RSV?

Parents can carry RSV without displaying symptoms, and can pass it on to infants and other members of the family.2

Maintaining good hygiene practices is important.2 Preventative options may be
available to help protect babies against RSV disease.

Speak to to your healthcare provider to learn more.

What symptoms can an RSV infection cause in adults?

Most adults who catch RSV won't display symptoms. But for those that do, RSV will lead to mild symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes fever. Older adults may be at an increased risk of developing severe disease.16

  1. Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis [published correction appears in Pediatr Rev. 2015 Feb;36(2):85.
  2. NICD. https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NICD-RSV-FAQ_April2024-final.pdf. Accessed August 2025
  3. Kaler J, Hussain A, Patel K, Hernandez T, Ray S. Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathophysiology, and Manifestation. Cureus. 2023;15(3):e36342
  4. Jacoby P, Glass K, Moore HC. Characterizing the risk of respiratory syncytial virus in infants with older siblings: a population-based birth cohort study. Epidemiol Infect. 2017;145(2):266-271
  5. Smyth RL, Brearey SP. BRONCHIOLITIS. Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine. 2006;268-275.
  6. Meissner HC. Viral Bronchiolitis in Children. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(1):62-72.
  7. Du Y, Yan R, Wu X, et al. Global burden and trends of respiratory syncytial virus infection across dierent age groups from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study. Int J Infect Dis. 2023;135:70-76.
  8. Langley JM, Bianco V, Domachowske JB, et al. Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Lower Respiratory Tract Infections During the First 2 Years of Life: A Prospective Study Across Diverse Global Settings. J Infect Dis. 2022;226(3):374-385.
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RSV in Infants and Young Children. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children/index.html. Accessed: September 2024.
  10. NHS South Tees Hospitals. Temperature control. Available at: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/children-and-young- people/speciality/neonatal/family-guide/temperature-control/.Accessed: September 2024
  11. Smith DK, Seales S, Budzik C. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in Children. Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(2):94-99.
  12. MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) 2023 Sep
  13. Stein RT, Bont LJ, Zar H, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization and mortality: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52(4):556-569.
  14. UK Health Security Agency. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment, 2021. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-symptoms-transmission-prevention-treatment. Accessed:September 2024.
MAT-ZA-2500463-1.0-09/2025