FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

What is RSV? For those who are otherwise healthy, these mild cold symptoms often cause them to continue to work and RSV stands for respiratory syncytial [sin-SISH-uh l] virus, attend school where they come in contact with and a common virus that affects the lungs. The virus can infect those who are much more likely to become is highly contagious and occurs most often during sicker if infected. For these people, more severe the cold and flu season (winter and early spring). symptoms of RSV include: It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can cause serious problems in the very young and the •• Fever above 103º F (39.4º C) elderly. Each year, RSV leads to problems that require •• Severe cough being in the hospital for nearly 60,000 children •• Wheezing (a high-pitched noise usually heard when younger than 5 years old and 177,000 adults over 65 breathing out) years old. Of those older adults, the virus accounts for 14,000 deaths. •• Rapid or difficult breathing that gets better when sitting up instead of laying down Although typically mild, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis •• Bluish color of the skin, especially around the [brong-kee-oh-LAHY-tis], an inflammation of the small mouth and on the lips or fingernails airway passages entering the lungs, or pneumonia [noo-MOHN-yuh], an inflammation and congestion •• Stopping breathing, also called apnea [AP-nee-uh], of the lungs. which is common in very young infants, especially those born prematurely, who get RSV bronchiolitis The virus is easily spread from person to person by: •• Breathing the air when an infected person coughs Who is most at risk of getting RSV? or sneezes. In fact, tobacco smoke is a carrier of •• Infants younger than 6 months of age RSV and other viruses. •• Young children (under 1 year of age) who were born •• Touching body fluids that are on items used by the prematurely or who have an underlying condition person who is ill, such as on tissues, toys, and eating like congenital heart or lung disease utensils. RSV can live on objects for up to 6 hours. •• Adults with asthma, congestive heart failure, or What are the symptoms? chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Someone with RSV will likely start having symptoms •• Elderly adults living in long-term care facilities about 4 to 6 days after being exposed to the virus. •• Those with weakened immune systems, especially Typical symptoms include: those with certain transplanted organs, leukemia, or HIV/AIDS •• Congested or runny nose •• Dry cough •• People in crowded places where others may be infected •• Low-grade fever (below 101º F or 38.3º C) •• Young children in day care settings or who are •• Sore throat exposed to older siblings attending school •• Mild headache

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Most adults (and children) recover from the illness H Hand washing with soap and water in 1 to 2 weeks with bed rest, drinking more fluids, 1 Wet hands and over-the-counter cold and flu medicines to treat 2 Apply liquid with warm, soap or use symptoms. If you have RSV, it is important to: running water. a clean bar •• Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, or of soap. blowing your nose (see illustration at right). Lather well. •• Stay away from others, especially babies, young children, and older adults. •• Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing. Immediately dispose

of the tissue, and don’t try to use it more than once. 3 Rub your hands together In those most at risk for RSV-related problems, the vigorously for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Be sure to scrub virus can become severe enough to require being in all surfaces of your hands the hospital. If you are hospitalized, you will be in a and fingers. private isolation room, which means that: 4 Rinse well. •• The hospital room door will remain closed at all Dry your hands times with a sign on it about isolation precautions. with a clean or disposable towel. •• Anyone entering the room will need to wear a surgical mask, and you will need to wear a mask anytime you leave the room. 5 •• Healthcare providers will also wear gloves, a mask, Use a towel to turn off and perhaps a gown as well as protective goggles the faucet. when they care for you. Hand washing with a hand sanitizer

1 Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Apply it to the palm

of your hand. Read the label to see

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H A E C N T O When should I call my doctor? 2 Be sure to cover all Call your doctor right away if you, your child, surfaces of your hands or anyone at risk of severe disease has: and fingers. Rub your hands together until •• Trouble breathing they are dry. •• A fever above 103º F (39.4º C) •• Lips or fingernail beds that turn blue Good handwashing can help prevent the spread of •• Poor appetite or a decreased activity level disease. Healthcare providers can spread the germs if they don’t wash their hands often enough. If you don’t •• A shallow cough that lasts day and night see your healthcare providers clean their hands, please ask them to do so.

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