Summary:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and contagious respiratory virus, affecting babies and young children worldwide. It spreads easily from infected people or contaminated objects, and almost all children catch RSV at some point before the age of 2. RSV usually presents like a common cold, but it can develop into a serious lung infection quickly and unpredictably.
Knowing how RSV spreads and how to prevent it can help you reduce the impact on your baby during its peak season.
How does RSV start?
RSV is spread when infected people cough or sneeze, just like with other respiratory viruses. The virus travels through the air, landing on surfaces or directly entering another person’s body through their eyes, nose, or mouth. RSV can be spread even with a kiss or a hug.
RSV spreads not only through close contact with an infected person but also indirectly: for example, a person who touches surfaces carrying the virus can become infected.
Babies and children may catch RSV anywhere, for example, from their siblings, other children at daycare and school, or when visiting family and friends. When children catch the virus, they can spread it to others who they come in contact with.
How long is someone with RSV contagious?
Usually, people infected with RSV are contagious for 3 to 8 days, and they can spread the virus even a day or two before showing signs of illness.
However, some babies and people with a weakened immune system can continue to spread the virus for as long as 4 weeks, even after they stop showing symptoms.
What time of year is RSV season?
Many don't know that RSV is a seasonal virus, meaning it spreads more often at certain times of the year.
When it spreads and how severe it is in a given community can vary year to year and based on your region, but in most of the US, RSV infections start in the fall. They increase in the winter, especially with gatherings and more time spent indoors, and the risk continues through spring.
RSV usually peaks in the US at the same time as the holiday season. Large gatherings and more time spent indoors can make it easier for RSV to spread between family members and friends.
What's the typical timeline for RSV infections in babies?
An RSV infection begins when a baby catches the virus, for example, a playdate where a baby is first exposed to the virus by someone else. In the first stage of infection, the virus is multiplying inside the body but hasn’t caused visible symptoms, so you may not even notice the baby is sick on the way home. This stage usually lasts around 4 to 7 days.
After this, babies with RSV start to show their first symptoms, such as a runny nose and/or a cough. In most cases, an RSV infection lasts about a week or two, but, in premature babies and people with weakened immune systems the illness can last longer and be more severe.
How long does RSV live on surfaces?
RSV can live up to 6 hours on surfaces, depending on the material:
- Less than 30 minutes on the skin
- 2 hours on paper, cardboard, and fabric
- 6 hours on countertops, glass, and metals.
Can you spread RSV by talking?
An infected person can spread RSV by talking close to other people because tiny droplets containing the virus can be released into the air. These droplets containing RSV can be inhaled or land on surfaces, increasing the chance of infection.
How can you help prevent RSV transmission in babies?
You can try to keep your baby from infected people or those showing symptoms, but exposure to RSV is impossible to completely avoid.
RSV spreads very easily, and your baby can be infected by common activities like cuddling, playing with siblings or friends, or visiting with family.
Some ways you can help slow the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses include:
Covering your coughs and sneezes.
Frequent handwashing or sanitizing.
Thoroughly cleaning surfaces and other objects that may carry RSV.
Avoiding the sharing of cups and bottles that may carry RSV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can RSV be dangerous for babies?
Babies are especially vulnerable to RSV because their immune systems are still developing, which means they lack the antibodies they need to protect them during their first RSV season.
How do you help prevent RSV?
You can help give your baby a layer of protection against serious RSV with Beyfortus. Beyfortus can be given at the same time as other childhood injections, or during any sick visit.
When is RSV season?
The typical RSV season usually occurs from fall through spring, but can vary by local area.
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Have more questions? Visit the FAQs page for even more answers.
Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus.
Before your child receives Beyfortus, tell your healthcare provider about all of your child’s medical conditions, including if your child:
- has ever had a reaction to Beyfortus.
- has bleeding or bruising problems. If your child has a problem with bleeding or bruises easily, an injection could cause a problem.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your infant should not receive a medicine called palivizumab if they have already received Beyfortus in the same RSV season.
Serious allergic reactions have happened with Beyfortus. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- unresponsiveness
- bluish color of skin, lips, or under fingernails
- muscle weakness
- severe rash, hives, or itching
The most common side effects of Beyfortus include rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your child’s injection. These are not all the possible side effects of Beyfortus. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about side effects.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for more details.
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Beyfortus is a prescription medicine used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in:
- Newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season.
- Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.