RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

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Care & Treatment

Prevention

RSV season in most regions of the U.S. starts in the fall and peaks in winter.  Older adults should take extra care to keep healthy.   Ways to prevent spreading or catching the RSV virus include:

  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Staying home when sick
  • Avoiding touching your face
  • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
  • Avoiding sharing dishes or utensils with others
  • Avoiding close contact with others who may have the virus

RSV vaccines can help protect adults aged 60 years and older from RSV.  Your healthcare professional will help you decide whether to get the RSV vaccine:

  • Older adults should ask their healthcare professional whether or not they should be given the RSV vaccine.
  • Your healthcare professional will consider your risk factors for getting seriously sick from RSV and your current health status when helping you decide whether to get the vaccine.

Treatments

There are no specific treatments for the RSV virus itself. However, treatments for respiratory illness in general can be used for RSV illness.

If you have a mild RSV infection, it will usually go away by itself in 1-2 weeks. You can use over the counter medications like pain relievers to manage mild symptoms. You should also rest and drink plenty of fluids.

However, more serious infections can require treatment in the hospital. If you are hospitalized with an RSV infection, you may receive IV fluids if you are dehydrated, or supplemental oxygen if you do not have enough oxygen in your blood.

 

Last updated October 2023

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