Is RSV Contagious?

This content was reviewed and approved by Jacqueline Gisch RN, MSN

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. People who don’t have a strong immune system, including infants and older adults, may develop more severe illness if they contract the virus.

This might cause you to wonder, “Is RSV contagious?” The short answer is yes, RSV is highly contagious. Read on to learn more about this virus and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

RSV Symptoms

In children and adults, RSV causes symptoms similar to those of the common cold, including:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Low energy
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Coughing
• Mild headache
• Decreased appetite

RSV symptoms in babies can be somewhat different. Their symptoms might only include:

• Lack of interest in playing
• Fussiness
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in breathing pattern

Severe cases of RSV can cause additional symptoms, including:

Difficult or noisy breathing

• Wheezing
• Short, shallow breaths
• rapid breathing
• pauses while breathing
• Flaring of the nostrils when breathing
• Bluish or grayish skin color

How Does RSV Spread?

RSV is transmitted through saliva and mucus. If you have contact with someone who has the illness or touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, the virus can enter your body and multiply. RSV can survive on hard surfaces like countertops, tables and door knobs for several hours and soft surfaces for a shorter period.

People with RSV can spread the virus while they have symptoms, which tend to last between three and eight days. As noted above, RSV is very contagious, and you can get RSV more than once.

Who Has the Highest Risk of Severe RSV?

Anyone can catch RSV, but the illness is more likely to become severe in the following groups:

• Premature babies
• Infants under 6 months of age
• Children under age 2 with congenital heart diseases or lung conditions
• Adults over 65
• People with underlying illnesses like chronic lung conditions and heart disease
• People with compromised immune systems

Potential RSV Complications

In addition to the initial symptoms, RSV can cause complications, including:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis
• Worsening of conditions like asthma and COPD
• Respiratory failure
• Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)

Babies with trouble breathing may be reluctant to eat, which can lead to dehydration.

RSV Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose RSV by:

• Discussing the patient’s health history and current symptoms
• Doing a physical exam (including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope and checking blood oxygen level)
• Swabbing the nose or throat for testing
• Potentially ordering a chest X-ray

Because RSV is a viral infection, antibiotics can’t treat it. Instead, doctors recommend managing your symptoms using over-the-counter medications as prescribed, drinking plenty of fluids and using a cool-mist humidifier. Saline spray and gentle suctioning of the nose can help infants breathe more easily.

In severe cases of RSV, hospitalization may be required. In the hospital, patients may receive supplemental oxygen and intravenous fluids. The care team may also take steps like suctioning to help remove mucus from an infant’s airways.

How To Reduce Your RSV Risk

You can reduce RSV risk for yourself and others by taking the following actions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching potentially contaminated surfaces and before preparing food.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Avoid crowds to limit your exposure to the virus, especially when respiratory illnesses rise in the fall and winter.
• Clean and disinfect toys and surfaces in your home frequently.
• Get immunizations as recommended by your doctor, including the monoclonal antibody immunization against RSV for babies up to 8 months old.

The RSV vaccine is recommended for high-risk individuals—such as older adults and those with chronic conditions. In contrast, Beyfortus is not a vaccine but a targeted treatment option for infants. Beyfortus is a long-acting antibody treatment designed for infants as they enter their first RSV season.

When to Contact Your Doctor About RSV

If you’re a healthy adult under age 65, your risk of developing a severe case of RSV is low, and you can treat the illness like you would a cold. If you’re over 65 or your young child contracts RSV and develops concerning symptoms, you should talk with your doctor or pediatrician. They can advise you on how to manage the illness.

If your child develops trouble breathing, a change in skin color or dehydration, take them to the emergency room right away.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health doctor, you can find one in our online provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More about Infectious Disease Care at Baptist Health.
What Is RSV?
RSV Cases Unseasonably High: What Parents Need to Know
What Are Measles?
How Is Bird Flu Transmitted to Humans?