RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Symptoms
When you experience a runny nose, congestion, or shortness of breath, it’s easy to dismiss it as a common cold or a seasonal allergy. However, if these symptoms seem more persistent or severe, it could be something else—like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
While it is more commonly associated with infants and young children, adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, are also at risk of contracting the virus.
This article covers RSV symptoms in adults, comparisons between populations, potential complications, and when to seek medical help to guide your health management.
Symptoms of RSV in Adults
If you’ve ever had a cold or flu, you know how uncomfortable it can be. By recognizing the signs early, you can seek proper treatment and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Runny Nose
A runny nose is one of the early signs of RSV infection. You may notice an increased discharge from your nose, often clear at first, that may become thicker, causing congestion. The virus irritates the nasal passages, causing your body to produce excess mucus in response.
In healthy adults, a runny nose may seem mild and last several days. However, in individuals with compromised health, it can cause heightened respiratory distress and prolonged symptoms.
Cough
RSV affects the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation and airway congestion. This irritation leads to coughing to help clear the airways of mucus, dust, or germs. In the early stages of RSV, the cough is dry and persistent but becomes wet and productive as mucus production increases.
In some cases, coughing may disrupt your sleep or daily activities, especially if it becomes more frequent. While typically mild, it can last several weeks, with severe cough episodes often worsening at night due to mucus accumulation, causing chest pain and worsening fatigue.
Wheezing
Wheezing is characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound, especially during exhalation. RSV causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, which leads to difficulty breathing and wheezing sounds. Depending on the severity of the airway compromise, wheezing may be continuous or come in episodes.
Wheezing is a concerning symptom in adults with RSV infection as it might signal progression toward complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. This symptom is more common, particularly if you have a history of respiratory issues like asthma or COPD.
Sore Throat
RSV infects the cells in your throat and upper respiratory airways, causing swelling. This can lead to pain, dryness, and irritation of the throat. You may also feel discomfort or pain when swallowing, ranging from mild to more intense soreness.
A sore throat often appears in the early stages of the illness and usually gets worse during the first 2 to 3 days, with other cold-like symptoms. Persistent coughing or throat clearing worsens soreness and makes eating and drinking uncomfortable, adding to your overall discomfort.
Fever
You may experience an elevated body temperature as your immune system fights off the virus. In adults, the fever associated with RSV is usually mild to moderate. The fever is often accompanied by chills or sweating as the body attempts to regulate its temperature.
While a fever can indicate that your body is responding to the infection, it can leave you feeling weak and uncomfortable. For immunocompromised individuals, the fever may be higher, last longer, or be more challenging to manage.
Rapid Heartbeat
In more severe cases of RSV infection, you might experience a rapid heartbeat, exceeding 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. This symptom occurs because your body is working harder to fight the infection. In addition to an elevated heart rate, you may also experience palpitations.
If breathing is compromised, the body compensates by speeding up the heart rate and circulating blood to ensure oxygen reaches the tissues. During RSV infection, the quickened heart rate is the body’s response to low oxygen levels, which may require oxygen therapy.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom that can develop as your body fights off RSV. Even after resting, you may feel exhausted and find it hard to complete everyday tasks. This exhaustion is your body’s response to the virus, which demands energy to recover from.
The fatigue can be prolonged, lasting for the duration of the illness. RSV-associated symptoms cause discomforts that make sleeping hard. Not getting enough sleep makes you feel even more tired because your body doesn’t have enough time to rest and recover.
Confusion or Disorientation
Since RSV causes airway obstruction, it reduces the oxygen entering the bloodstream. The brain is sensitive to oxygen level changes, and when the levels drop, brain function can be affected, resulting in confusion, disorientation, and difficulty thinking clearly.
You may notice difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or general mental fog. This symptom is particularly concerning because it can indicate more serious complications.
Dehydration
Dehydration can occur as sweating increases due to the rise in body temperature, leading to more significant fluid loss. Sore throat, coughing, and nasal congestion can also make swallowing painful or difficult, leading to reduced food and fluid intake.
It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re not drinking enough fluids. A dry mouth, decreased urine output, or dizziness may be signs of dehydration, which can lead to electrolyte imbalance and potential kidney injury.
Bluish Tint on Lips and Nails
A bluish tint on your lips, nails, or skin is a severe symptom of RSV. It indicates that your body is not getting enough oxygen, often due to severe respiratory distress impairing lung function.
The bluish discoloration is a sign that your oxygen levels are dangerously low and require immediate medical attention, as this could lead to life-threatening complications.
Comparison of RSV in Adults vs. Children
RSV in adults usually causes mild symptoms. However, in vulnerable populations such as children with underdeveloped airways, RSV can cause severe, alarming symptoms like shortness of breath, which can lead to hospitalization.
Children, especially infants, are more likely to experience respiratory distress, manifesting as wheezing, difficulty feeding, nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions during breathing. While the infection in adults may resolve relatively quickly, children may experience prolonged symptoms and a higher risk for severe infection.
Possible Complications of RSV
RSV infection can lead to several complications beyond typical cold-like symptoms. Understanding these risks can help you stay vigilant and get the care you need if your symptoms worsen.
Pneumonia
RSV may spread to the lungs and cause infection of the air sacs, leading to pneumonia. As your lungs fill with fluid, you may experience difficulty breathing and sharp, stabbing chest pain, which worsens with coughing or deep breathing.
RSV leads to approximately between 60,000 and 160,000 hospitalizations annually in adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. Elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems—due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, and organ transplants are more vulnerable.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis, or the inflammation of the smallest airways in your lungs, is another possible complication of RSV, as opposed to pneumonia, which affects the air sacs. The virus causes the bronchioles to swell and fill with mucus, resulting in prolonged coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with long-term respiratory or heart conditions, obesity, or pregnancy are more vulnerable due to impaired immune systems.
Asthma
RSV can trigger or worsen asthma in adults, especially if you already have a history of respiratory issues. The infection can worsen sensitivity to allergens or pollutants, leading to more frequent asthma attacks.
Individuals with asthma react more strongly to various triggers, including infections like RSV. The virus-induced inflammation increases airway narrowing and breathing constriction, which can lead to more severe symptoms.
Long-Term Pulmonary Disease
If you were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), RSV can make your breathing problems worse. The virus irritates your weak airways, causing more coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing.
This can result in more frequent COPD flare-ups. The added strain on your lungs can increase the risk of hospitalization, slower recovery, and long-term complications.
Heart Failure
RSV can also induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF) in adults. Adults who already have heart issues are more likely to develop congestive heart failure when they get an RSV infection.
The heart has to pump more blood to supply the tissues’ oxygen requirements, increasing the workload on the heart and further straining individuals whose heart function is already compromised.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can range from mild to severe. For many adults, it manifests as a mild upper respiratory infection resembling the common cold. However, in certain situations, it can lead to more serious complications, especially for those with underlying health conditions, weakened immune systems, or the elderly.
If RSV symptoms in adults persist for more than 3 to 5 days or worsen instead of getting better, it is essential to consult a doctor. Healthcare is especially important when breathing becomes difficult, chest pain or confusion occurs, or a high fever doesn’t go down.
Recognizing when to seek medical attention for RSV infection in adults is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment of symptoms. If you experience severe respiratory distress, persistent high fever, confusion, chest pain, dehydration, or worsening symptoms that affect your daily activities, it’s necessary to seek medical care promptly.
Treatments for RSV
Struggling with a runny nose, cough, or breathing problems due to RSV can be frustrating if you don’t know what helps. Fortunately, effective treatment options and preventive measures can help alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
This article covers how to manage and treat RSV symptoms in adults, focusing on remedies, lifestyle changes, and when you should seek medical attention. Whether looking for immediate relief or ways to prevent and reduce the risk of infection, you’ll find practical advice to help you navigate your symptoms.
Managing RSV Infection
Dealing with RSV can be challenging as no antiviral treatment is available. Still, the good news is that there are ways to manage the symptoms while RSV resolves on its own. The section below provides effective and convenient options for managing your condition, from home remedies to medical interventions.
Increased Fluid Intake
Hydration is essential when dealing with RSV because it helps maintain your body’s fluid balance, which is impaired due to the manifestations of the infection. Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day. Aim for 2-3 liters minimum per day to support your recovery.
If drinking plain water is unappealing, infuse water with natural flavors like lemon, mint, or cucumber. Warm herbal tea also helps to loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways by addressing symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Warm broth-based soups can also ease trouble swallowing solid foods due to throat irritation while maximizing fluid intake. Fluids help replenish lost fluid and electrolytes during fever and sweating.
Refraining from consuming caffeine and alcohol while opting for electrolyte-enhanced or rehydration beverages may be helpful for individuals experiencing severe dehydration or fatigue.
Rest
Resting the body as much as possible will help conserve energy during healing. Avoiding unnecessary physical exertion during an illness is important. Proper rest reduces the severity of symptoms and helps prevent illness progression from worsening.
For individuals with RSV, quality sleep helps with airway clearance. It relaxes the respiratory system by reducing strain on the lungs and airways. For better sleep, ensure the toom is calm, quiet, and dark. Try elevating your head slightly to improve breathing and reduce congestion.
Consider using a saline nasal spray before bed to relieve nasal congestion. Avoid heavy meals and caffeine close to bedtime. Adequate naps during the day reduce symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, enabling the body to recover faster.
Regulating Humidity
Increasing humidity in your environment can be beneficial. A well-moisturized airway is better equipped to trap and expel pathogens and irritants, which helps reduce the duration and severity of the infection.
Humidified air soothes the throat and reduces irritation of the upper airways, relieving discomfort and making breathing easier. The moist air can also help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, facilitating comfort.
Adding menthol or eucalyptus essential oil drops to humidifiers or steam can also provide soothing effects and relieve symptoms of a persistent cough. Place a humidifier in a common living area or bedroom, and clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, have been traditionally used to relieve respiratory symptoms. These oils can help open the airways, reduce congestion, and promote relaxation.
You can dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (coconut oil) and apply them to the chest, neck, or temples. You can use an essential oil balm or roller to relieve symptoms or add them to humidifiers for a calming and soothing scent.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that weaken the immune system, making your body less effective at fighting respiratory infections. Avoiding smoking helps to improve respiratory function, making breathing easier, reducing coughing and wheezing, and allowing the body to recover more efficiently.
Alcohol slows the body’s healing process, impairs nutrient absorption, and interferes with medication absorption used to manage your symptoms, further hindering the healing process. Limiting alcohol consumption helps restore normal immune function and promote quicker recovery.
Boosting the Immune System
Both vitamin C and zinc are known to support the immune system in fighting off viral infections like RSV. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and speed up recovery, while zinc supports the function of immune cells.
To help strengthen your immune system, take supplements or consume foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits. Zinc can be taken as lozenges or tablets or as part of multivitamins.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and fever relief pills, are commonly used to help manage fever and body aches associated with RSV infection. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help alleviate symptoms, but they should be used cautiously due to potential side effects.
Expectorants help loosen and thin mucus and clear the airways. This can help reduce mucus buildup in the lungs and alleviate chest congestion and wheezing. Cough suppressants are used to manage lung irritation but should be used under a healthcare provider’s guidance.
Bronchodilators, administered using inhalers or nebulizers, relax the smooth muscles around the airways. They are prescribed to address severe breathing difficulties and discomfort.
Decongestants and antihistamines may be recommended to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose. While there is no cure for RSV, medications can help alleviate symptoms, reduce complications, and support your recovery.
Steroids Administration
Steroids may be prescribed to adults with severe RSV infection, especially those who experience significant airway inflammation, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe respiratory symptoms or those with underlying conditions like asthma.
Steroid treatment can be given orally for less severe cases or intravenously for more severe cases. It suppresses the immune system’s response, makes breathing more manageable, and reduces lung swelling and mucus production.
Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, should use corticosteroids with caution under the strict guidance of a healthcare provider. Due to their condition, the added suppression from steroids can increase the risk of complications or secondary infections.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy may be necessary if RSV severely affects your breathing. An external supply can help ensure your body receives enough air, especially if your blood oxygen levels drop due to inflamed or congested airways.
Depending on the severity of the condition, oxygen can be administered through various methods. Nasal cannulas are used for mild cases, simple face masks are used for moderate cases, and a high-flow nasal cannula may be needed for severe cases.
Mechanical ventilation may be required for respiratory failure. Healthcare providers monitor oxygen levels and adjust therapy based on assessments to improve breathing and comfort while reducing the risk of complications.
IV Therapy
If you’re dehydrated due to fever, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms, IV (intravenous) therapy can help rehydrate your body. Fluids are delivered directly into your bloodstream, providing quick hydration and ensuring you maintain proper fluid balance.
IV therapy is also used in severe RSV cases to address nutrition and fluid requirements for those who are unable to eat or drink. Electrolyte solutions correct imbalances and prevent complications like irregular heartbeat and respiratory failure.
Medications like antivirals, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids may be infused into the bloodstream for faster and more controlled delivery, particularly in individuals who cannot take oral medications due to difficulty swallowing or nausea.
Preventing RSV Infections
Preventing RSV in adults is essential, mainly if you are at higher risk due to age or underlying health conditions. By adopting effective preventative measures, you can reduce your chances of contracting the virus.
Frequent Handwashing
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove potential viruses from your skin. Scrub the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Ensure that you wash your hands before meals and after touching pets or commonly used surfaces.
In the absence of soap and water, opt for an alcohol-based sanitizer. Although sanitizers are effective, they may not remove all germs from visibly soiled hands, so washing with soap is preferred when possible.
Children, especially young ones, often carry and spread RSV to adults. Teach proper handwashing by washing together. Use stickers or posters in the bathroom to remind children and family members to wash correctly.
Avoiding Contact and Crowded Places
RSV is highly contagious, so limiting close contact with infected individuals is crucial. After coming into contact with someone sick, avoid touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth. Practice social distancing, stay a few feet away from other people, and wear masks to reduce transmission, particularly during RSV outbreaks.
Avoid crowded public places, especially crowded indoor settings with limited ventilation, during peak RSV season. Limit visits to hospitals, daycare centers, and other areas with high transmission rates.
Healthy Lifestyle and Diet
A balanced diet with nutrients like Vitamin C, D, zinc, and iron supports the immune system in fighting infections like RSV. Include a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to boost immune function and support overall health.
Regular moderate exercise and avoidance of smoking and alcohol improve circulation and strengthen immune function, helping fight against heightened infection. However, excessive intense exercise can weaken the immune system, so balancing physical activity with rest is essential.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
RSV can survive on surfaces for hours, so regular cleaning is necessary in shared spaces. Pay attention to surfaces like counters, doorknobs, and switches to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
Disinfect shared items like smartphones, tablets, toys, and remote controls to prevent the spread of the virus inside a household. Use EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against viruses, and be sure to follow the product’s instructions for effective use.
If commercial disinfectants are unavailable, a bleach solution (diluted 1:100 with water) can effectively sanitize surfaces. To prevent contamination, dispose of used tissues immediately in a sealed trash can. Wash reusable cloths in hot water with detergent and dry on high heat to kill viruses.
Avoiding Irritants
Irritants like smoke, chemicals, potent cleaning agents, perfumes, dust, and pollution can damage the respiratory system’s protective mechanisms. Irritants can lead to increased mucus production, airway inflammation, and narrowing of the airways, making it easier for illnesses to take hold.
By avoiding irritants, you help minimize additional stress on the lungs while the immune system remains better equipped to combat respiratory infections. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke improves lung function and reduces the risk of severe respiratory diseases, including RSV.
Vaccination
RSV vaccines may not completely prevent infection, but they can reduce the risk of infection and lessen the severity of symptoms if you contract the virus.
While RSV vaccines are approved for older adults and pregnant individuals, they are not yet available for all age groups. For these populations, a vaccine could help reduce hospitalizations.
Outlook for Patients with RSV
In healthy adults, RSV infection symptoms are mild and usually self-limiting. Most adults recover within 1-2 weeks with minimal supportive care such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Some mild symptoms, like a persistent cough or fatigue, may linger for up to two weeks after recovery.
Hospitalization rates for adults are generally low (approximately 2-10%) but increase for those with chronic conditions. The mortality rate from RSV infection is higher in elderly adults and those with severe medical conditions.
For individuals with chronic health conditions, older adults, or those immunocompromised, recovery may be prolonged, causing frustration due to the lack of improvement and fatigue, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
Causes of RSV in Adults: Risk Factors and Diagnosis
You’ve likely experienced a cold or cough at some point, but when symptoms feel more severe than expected, you might wonder if it’s something more serious. When a cold or cough feels unusually severe, it might be more than just a seasonal bug—it could be Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a viral infection primarily affecting the respiratory system. Symptoms can vary from mild cold-like signs to severe difficulty breathing. While RSV is commonly linked with infants and young children, adults can also contract the virus.
This article covers the causes of RSV in adults, including how the virus spreads and the specific risk factors that may make you more susceptible. With a clearer understanding of these factors, you’ll be better equipped to take steps to protect yourself and ensure better outcomes.
Cause of RSV Infection
RSV is directly caused by a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, classified explicitly under the genus Orthopneumovirus. It is a common cause of respiratory infections, particularly during the colder months, and affects people of all ages.
RSV spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact and shared spaces are key factors in transmission. Adults with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or advanced age face a higher risk. RSV causes significant inflammation in the airways, impairing the flow of oxygen and leading to respiratory distress.
In adults, the virus typically causes symptoms resembling a common cold. Mild symptoms usually last 5 to 10 days and often go unnoticed, contributing to RSV spread to the risk population.
In severe cases of RSV infection, symptoms may progress to wheezing, shortness of breath, and significant difficulty breathing. This is especially concerning for individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, or those with pre-existing lung diseases.
Factors for Developing RSV Infection
RSV infection can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk of developing the illness or experiencing severe symptoms. Knowing these risk factors can help you understand your vulnerability to the virus and take necessary precautions.
Age
Adults over 65 are at greater risk of developing RSV infection due to the natural decline in immune function with age. Age-related health conditions like heart failure, COPD, diabetes, and slower immune response can compromise the body’s ability to fight the virus.
Lung function naturally declines as people age, and conditions affecting the lungs become more common. In older adults, RSV can lead to more severe respiratory complications.
While younger adults are less susceptible to severe outcomes, they can still contract and spread the virus, especially if exposed to high-risk environments. Younger adults generally experience milder and self-limiting symptoms that resolve within a week.
Other Medical Conditions
If you have underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung diseases, you’re at a higher risk of developing severe RSV infection. These conditions weaken your body’s ability to manage respiratory viruses, exacerbating symptoms and increasing the risk of complications.
Adults with chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD or asthma, are more susceptible to severe RSV infections. These conditions can worsen the condition, leading to more severe manifestations of breathing difficulties, increased coughing, and chest tightness.
Cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure, increase vulnerability to RSV infections since lung function and oxygenation are impaired. These conditions make it harder for the body to efficiently circulate oxygen, increasing the risk of respiratory complications.
Obesity and poorly controlled diabetes weaken the immune system by impairing white blood cell function and oxygenation, making it harder to fight infections. For individuals with pre-existing conditions, the use of multiple medications can influence one’s health as they address the more pressing health issues in priority over adverse effects.
Weakened Immunity
Individuals with a weakened immune system are at significantly higher risk for RSV infection and its complications. People with HIV/AIDS have reduced immune function, making them more susceptible to viral infections. This can lead to prolonged illness and severe symptoms.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy have weakened immune defenses, increasing their vulnerability. Chemotherapy can lower white blood cell counts and impair the body’s ability to fight viral infections.
Individuals who have undergone organ transplants are prescribed immunosuppressive medications that suppress the immune system, making transplant recipients more susceptible to infections.
Malnutrition and malabsorption illnesses that influence key nutrients like vitamins, zinc, iron, and protein in the body, severely weaken the immune system. In a malnourished state, producing antibodies in response to RSV is less efficient, meaning the body cannot mount a sufficient defense against the virus.
Exposure to Crowded Environments
Frequenting crowded environments increases your chances of being exposed to RSV. Crowded areas facilitate the spread of the virus through close contact and airborne particles.
Crowded indoor environments, such as restaurants, malls, public transport, offices, and hospitals, often have limited ventilation and recirculated air. Shared spaces like meeting rooms, break rooms, and bathrooms increase the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Buses, trains, subways, and airplanes, where people are often in close quarters, are ideal environments for transmitting respiratory infections like RSV. The virus can quickly pass from one person to another, especially if ventilation is poor or physical distancing isn’t observed.
Work-Related Risks
Healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes are at an increased risk of RSV infection due to their frequent close contact with patients who may be infected with the virus. In hospital settings, medical equipment like ventilators, nebulizers, and oxygen masks or procedures in administering or operating them increases the risk.
Teachers, daycare workers, and other school staff are at higher risk for infection because they are in frequent close contact with children, who are more likely to be infected with RSV and lack knowledge of infection control and prevention.
Front-line jobs, such as public transportation, retail, and hospitality, increase the risk of RSV infection. They frequently interact with the public, including individuals who may unknowingly have and spread the virus.
Health Behaviors and Lifestyle
Poor nutritional status can weaken the immune system. An unhealthy diet encourages deficiencies in nutrients and vitamins, while a lack of vaccinations for respiratory illnesses can compromise the body’s ability to mount an effective defense against viruses.
A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can lead to weakened respiratory muscles and decreased lung function. The reduced ability to clear mucus makes it easier for viruses like RSV to take hold in the respiratory system. Chronic alcohol use and drugs damage the body, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing RSV infection, as it compromises your respiratory system. Both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can compromise the body’s ability to defend against respiratory infections like RSV.
Smokers are more likely to experience severe RSV infections due to the combined effects of airway damage, increased mucus production, reduced immune defenses, and impaired lung function.
Even secondhand smoke exposure can increase your susceptibility to RSV. If you regularly inhale smoke, it can weaken your natural defenses against respiratory viruses, making you more vulnerable to both initial infection and severe complications once infected.
How Do You Get Infected?
RSV spreads through multiple transmission methods, making it highly contagious. By understanding how the virus spreads, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce the risk of getting sick.
Person-to-Person Contact
RSV spreads readily through direct person-to-person contact, such as touching, hugging, or shaking hands with an infected individual. You may contract the virus by coming into physical contact with someone carrying the virus, especially if you touch your face afterward.
Infected adults can spread the virus for 3 to 8 days. However, some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems, may continue to spread the virus for up to four weeks.
The closer and more prolonged the exposure to an infected person, the higher the likelihood of transmission. Close-contact settings like hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, and schools also increase the risk of transmission due to frequent interactions between people in confined spaces.
Airborne Particles
RSV can also be transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These tiny droplets can travel through the air and inhaled, allowing the virus to enter your respiratory system.
You are particularly at risk in crowded spaces or poorly ventilated areas since RSV particles can remain viable for several hours, increasing the chance of inhalation by nearby individuals. On the contrary- in more humid, warm, and well-ventilated environments, the virus tends to survive less when outside the body.
Healthcare workers who care for patients with RSV may be at increased risk, especially during procedures exposing them to exhaled particles, such as suctioning or when operating a mechanical ventilator, which can release viral droplets into the air.
Contaminated Surfaces
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets containing RSV can land on surfaces, contaminating doorknobs, tables, handrails, phones, and keyboards, where the virus can linger.
RSV can survive on surfaces like countertops or handrails for hours. The virus does not require active moisture to remain viable, which makes it able to persist for a longer time, especially in cooler, moist environments.
If you touch contaminated surfaces and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you are at risk of transmitting the virus to your mucous membranes. Once the virus enters the body, it can begin to infect the respiratory tract.
Confirming RSV Infection in Adults
RSV is diagnosed using a combination of procedures, which help confirm the presence of the virus and assess its impact on your respiratory system. These methods are essential to ensure accurate identification and to guide appropriate care.
Clinical Evaluation and History-Taking
A doctor will first evaluate your symptoms and review your medical history. You may be asked about any recent respiratory symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, or fever, which can overlap with other respiratory conditions.
During the clinical interview, a thorough medical history will be taken, including exposure risk, pre-existing conditions, and vaccination status, which can provide valuable clues to your risk for RSV infection.
Nasal or Throat Swab
A nasal or throat swab is one of the primary diagnostic tests for RSV. A cotton swab collects mucus from your nose or throat and is placed in a sterile container for lab testing. The procedure is quick and relatively painless.
A PCR test helps detect the presence of RSV in respiratory secretions in a few hours to days, while rapid RSV antigen tests can provide quick results within 15-30 minutes. These tests are widely available and used to diagnose RSV infection effectively.
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray is used to check for complications, such as pneumonia, that may arise from RSV infection. The X-ray allows your doctor to see inside your lungs, revealing any inflammation, fluid accumulation, or a white-out appearance, which may be signs of severe complications.
This imaging technique helps determine the extent of the infection, especially if your breathing is significantly compromised. It provides a clearer picture of how RSV is affecting your respiratory system and guides appropriate management.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can help diagnose RSV in adults by checking for signs of immune system response. A sample of your blood is analyzed to detect elevated white blood cell counts, indicating that your immune system is fighting off an infection like RSV.
These tests can also assess your oxygen levels and overall health. While not specific to RSV, blood tests can provide valuable information about the severity of the infection and guide treatment decisions.
Oxygen Level Testing
Pulse oximetry is a test that checks the oxygen levels in your blood oxygen without invasive methods. A small device is placed on your finger, using light to estimate how much oxygen is circulating in your blood. This helps assess how well your lungs are functioning and helps guide treatment.
A normal blood oxygen level ranges from 95% to 100%. Levels below 95% are considered low and could increase the risk of hypoxemia (lower than 90%). Low oxygen levels could indicate that RSV has affected your lung function, making it harder to get enough oxygen.
Lung Secretion Testing
A sputum culture involves collecting a sample of mucus from your lungs, which you cough up, to check for RSV or other respiratory pathogens. The sample is then tested in a lab to determine which virus or bacteria is causing your symptoms.
Sputum culture helps diagnose RSV when the infection has spread to the lower respiratory tract. It also allows doctors to confirm whether RSV or another germ is causing your symptoms, guiding the necessary treatment.
