If you have been exposed to the RSV virus, it can take about 2-8 days after exposure for you to start feeling sick. Symptoms of RSV in adults are typically like mild cold-like symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

RSV infections can be dangerous for certain older adults. Older adults are at greater risk than young adults for serious complications from RSV because our immune systems weaken when we are older. It can cause pneumonia or other serious lung infections. Older adults with chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurologic disease or diabetes mellitus are at greatest risk for severe disease due to RSV.   It also can make some chronic health conditions worse. In the U.S., it’s estimated that RSV infection leads to up to 160,000 hospitalizations and up to 10,000 deaths among older adults each year.

If you experience shortness of breath, a fever, bluish tint to your skin, wheezing, or a worsening cough, these can be signs of severe respiratory illness. You should seek care right away if you are having these serious symptoms.

Last updated October 2023