What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.1-4

Even the best-laid plans could be cut short by RSV. While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think—even if you're healthy.2-4

People of all ages can get RSV. But if you’re aged 60 or over, RSV infection can be severe.5

In a Hong Kong study, RSV was the second cause of mortality among elderly patients ≥65 years of age hospitalised with viral respiratory infections.6

What are the symptoms of RSV infection?

Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, and sometimes they can last up to 2 weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions.7-11

RSV symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid/difficulty breathing
  • Cyanosis (bluish coloring of the skin due to lack of oxygen)

How does RSV spread?

Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you're typically contagious for 3-8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms.4-12

RSV and the seasons

In Hong Kong, RSV occurs throughout the year.13 RSV activity lasts longer than influenza, spreading from late February to late September.6

DO YOU KNOW RSV?

Can RSV lead to pneumonia?

get the answer down-arrow

Yes. Although RSV infection is usually mild, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia or other complications.14

Did you know?

People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.10,11,15,16

RSV infection can be serious. Talk to your doctor to learn more about RSV.1

Reference

  1. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13
  2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36
  3. Stephens LM;Vaccines;2021;9;624
  4. Kodama F;Infect Dis Clin North Am;2017;31;767-790
  5. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions
  6. Chan PKS;Medicine;2015;94;1-11
  7. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310
  8. Falsey AR;Open Forum Infect Dis;2021;8;1-11
  9. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16;462-473
  10. Mayo Clinic;2021;1-5;RSV symptoms and causes
  11. CDC;2021;1-2;Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Symptoms and Care
  12. Schweitzer JW;NCBI Bookshelf;2022;1-6
  13. Yang L;Scientific Reports;2015;5;1-8
  14. Belongia EA;Open Forum Infect Dis;2018;1-10
  15. Blunck B;Vaccine;2021;39;1248-1256
  16. Openshaw PJM;Annu. Rev. Immunol;2017;35;501–532
  17. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011
  18. Watson A;Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease;2021;15;1-17
  19. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608
  20. Lee N;Clin Infect Dis;2013;57;1069–1077
  21. Colosia AD;PLOS ONE;2017;12;1-20
  22. Anderson NW;Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease;2016;85;367-371, (KC)
  23. Centers for Disease control and Prevention;2020;1-2;Healthcare providers should consider RSV
  24. Bloom-Feshbach K;PloS one;2013;8;e54445,(KC)
  25. National Institutes of Health;2018;1-2;Talking to your doctor