Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Information for the Public

There are several ways to help prevent RSV and protect people who are most at risk for severe illness. Immunization can reduce the risk of RSV-related hospitalization and other serious complications. See Michigan’s current RSV immunization recommendation document for more information.

Know Who Is at Higher Risk

Some people are more likely to develop severe RSV illness, including people with:

• Chronic heart or lung disease.

• Weakened immune systems.

• Certain other underlying medical conditions.

• Older age.

• Certain living situations, including long-term care facilities.

If you or someone you care for is at increased risk, talk with a healthcare provider about ways to prevent RSV.

Take Everyday Steps to Reduce the Spread of RSV

You can also help protect yourself and others by:

• Staying home and away from others when you are sick.

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

• Washing your hands often with soap and water.

• Cleaning surfaces that people touch often.

• Avoiding close contact with people who are more likely to become seriously ill when you are sick.

Learn more about everyday ways to prevent respiratory viruses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms usually appear within four to six days of infection and show up gradually rather than all at once.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Cough and sneezing.

• Fever.

• Decreased appetite.

• Wheezing.

• Tiredness or fussiness.

In very young infants, the only signs may be irritability, reduced activity, poor feeding or pauses in breathing longer than 10 seconds.

Most people can manage RSV at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever or relieve pain. Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 2 weeks.

Contact a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about symptoms in yourself, your child, or someone you’re caring for, especially if they’re in a higher risk group.

Seek emergency medical care for signs of severe illness, such as:

• Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or pauses in beathing.

• Skin, lips or fingertips that look blue, gray or pale.

• Severe dehydration, such as not urinating or having very few wet diapers.

• Your infant is not drinking enough fluid or have no wet diapers for 8+ hours.

• Symptoms that suddenly get worse or are not improving.

Can you get RSV more than once?

Yes. People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. Previous infection does not provide complete or lifelong protection.

Does my baby need RSV protection if I was vaccinated during pregnancy?

Most babies do not need extra RSV protection if their mother received the RSV vaccine at least 14 days before delivery. However, it can depend on when the vaccine was given and other circumstances. Talk to your healthcare provider or see the CDC’s webpage on RSV Immunization Guidance for Infants and Young Children

What is the difference between the RSV vaccine and the RSV antibody?

An RSV vaccine teaches your immune system to make its own antibodies, while an RSV antibody (monoclonal antibody) provides pre-made antibodies for immediate protection.

My child has RSV. What should I do?

Most children with RSV have mild illness and can recover at home. Encourage fluids and monitor signs of worsening illness or difficulty breathing. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you are concerned, particularly if your child is very young or has conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV. Seek emergency medical care for signs of severe illness.