RSV: What are the symptoms and when should you seek care?

Sarah Ladd, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

While RSV is most commonly associated with children, Louisville researchers are trying to find the best way to identify and diagnose respiratory syncytial virus in adults.

Surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the virus kills about 14,000 adults 65 and older every year and hospitalizes many more.

Not just for kids: Norton researchers working to learn more about dangers of RSV in adults

Here's what to know about RSV:

What is RSV?

RSV is "a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms," according to the CDC.

Most people who get it bounce back in no more than two weeks, the CDC says, but it can be serious, causing bronchitis and pneumonia.

Last summer, as children came out of isolation during a COVID-19 lag with lower immunity to RSV and croup, hospitals saw a spike in children being treated for the condition.

More: Out of isolation: RSV and croup cases spike among Louisville children

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms of RSV include:

  • Congestion

  • Runny nose

  • Cough

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Sneezing

Serious cases of RSV may feature:

  • Wheezing

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Higher fever

  • Harsher cough

  • Bluish skin

RSV can also cause pneumonia, bronchiolitis and congestive heart failure, according to Norton Healthcare.

When should I seek help for RSV?

The CDC states you should reach out to a medical professional for help if:

  • You have difficulty breathing

  • Symptoms are getting worse

  • You're not drinking enough fluids

How does RSV spread?

RSV spreads much like COVID-19: through droplets stemming from coughing, sneezing, kissing and more, according to the CDC.

You can contract RSV if you get these droplets into your nose, eyes or mouth, the CDC says.

Some safety tips from the CDC to help avoid RSV include:

  • Cover your coughs

  • Keep spaces that are touched often clean

  • Wash hands thoroughly

  • Don't share silverware or dishes with other people

  • Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing or shaking hands

Reach health reporter Sarah Ladd at sladd@courier-journal.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ladd_sarah.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What are the symptoms of RSV and when should you seek care?