RSV is an infection that causes inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. It usually causes mild cold-like symptoms but can cause a serious lung infection in young children and infants called bronchiolitis.

Most children become infected with the virus by the age of 2 to 3 years old. Although all individuals can be infected with RSV, those at high risk include premature infants, young children, the elderly, immunocompromised, and children under age 2 with chronic lung conditions. The virus is most common in fall, winter, and early spring. 

What causes RSV? 

RSV is a virus that spreads like the common cold. You can get it by being in contact with someone who is infected with the virus. 

Is RSV contagious? 

Yes. RSV is easy to catch and spread to other people. 

RSV spreads when people come into direct contact with infectious particles. Most often, the virus spreads from sneezes or coughs from sick individuals or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, and eyes before washing your hands. RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces such as tables and doorknobs and up to 30 minutes on your hands. Individuals that have RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days, although those with weakened immune systems can be contagious for up to 4 weeks even without showing symptoms. You can be infected with RSV multiple times as you do not build immunity when you have RSV.