Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Common cause of coughs and colds
Usually resolves on its own
Can be serious for babies and older adults
Almost all children get it by age 2

Overview

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. Most people, especially healthy adults and older children, recover from RSV without serious problems. However, it can be more severe for certain vulnerable groups. Almost all children will have an RSV infection by the time they are two years old. While usually mild, RSV can lead to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis, a chest infection, or pneumonia, especially in infants and older adults. There is no specific cure for RSV, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Prevention methods, including vaccines and antibody injections for high-risk individuals, are available to help reduce severe illness.

Signs and Symptoms

Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Sneezing
Tiredness
High temperature (fever)
Irritability and reduced feeding (in babies)
Worsening cough
Shortness of breath
Faster breathing or long pauses in breaths
Wheezing
Confusion (in older adults)

Things That Increase the Risk

Babies under 6 months old
Young children born prematurely
Adults over 75 years
Weakened immune system
Long-term lung or heart conditions
Smoking tobacco
Babies exposed to tobacco smoke

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment of symptoms
Medical evaluation for severity
Monitoring breathing patterns
Checking feeding habits (in babies)

Treatment & Management

No specific treatment for the virus itself
Symptoms usually improve in 1-2 weeks
Pain relievers for fever and discomfort (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
Saline nose drops for blocked nose
Drink plenty of fluids
Small, frequent feeds for babies
Hospital care for severe cases (fluids, oxygen)

Prevention

Wash or wipe down toys and surfaces regularly
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands
Use and discard disposable tissues
Keep newborns away from sick individuals
RSV vaccination for pregnant individuals and older adults
Antibody injections for high-risk children

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):