RSV Season: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. It usually circulates during the fall and winter, and spreads easily between people. It is a mild illness for most healthy adults, but it can be severe, especially for infants, young children, and older adults.

Learn about the signs of RSV and how to reduce the risk of catching it for you and your family.

What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

RSV is a respiratory virus that can infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It’s similar to colds, flu, or COVID-19. Most people experience mild symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion. RSV typically gets better within 7 to 10 days.

In some cases, RSV can be severe or even life-threatening. The virus can cause lower respiratory infections that require hospitalization. Severe RSV occurs most often in people in certain high-risk categories, including:

• Infants and young children
• Children born prematurely
• Children with cystic fibrosis
• Children with underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease
• Children and adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults ages 75 and older
• Adults with chronic heart or lung disease

RSV is highly contagious and spreads through droplets or direct contact with someone who has the virus. It can linger on surfaces like doorknobs and counters, so it’s possible to get RSV after touching a contaminated object. Symptoms usually develop 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus.

When Is RSV Season?

Like a lot of other respiratory illnesses, RSV is most common during the fall and winter. It tends to surge during the cooler weather and spreads easily when people gather indoors.

RSV season in Texas usually starts in September or October and peaks in December or January. RSV season may start at slightly different times in different parts of the state. You can look up the number of RSV cases in your area on the Texas Department of State Health Services website. That information can help you know if RSV is going around and predict when the RSV season is coming to an end.

How To Prepare for RSV Season

While there is no specific treatment for RSV, there are things you can do to help prevent viral spread, as well as provide comfort and care to a sick loved one. Here are some tips on how to prepare for RSV season in Texas.

RSV Vaccines

The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older, and adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV. Unlike the flu shot, adults don’t need to get the RSV shot every year. One dose will protect you.

Pregnant women can also choose to get the RSV vaccine. The maternal immunization will boost the child’s immunity.

Infants younger than 8 months old can get a monoclonal antibody shot, which offers immediate protection. This can dramatically reduce the risk of severe illness for infants during RSV season.

Prevent the Spread

RSV is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To help prevent the spread of RSV, teach your children to cover their mouth with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after being around someone who is sick. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

Avoid Close Contact

If you or your child is sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus to others. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings can also prevent the spread of RSV, especially if you know you’re going to be around vulnerable individuals.

Early Signs and Symptoms of RSV

RSV can cause a variety of symptoms. In very young infants with RSV, their only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.?

Other symptoms of early RSV can include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Decrease in appetite

Symptoms don’t all start at the same time; instead, they appear in stages. In infants and young children, the symptoms can get more serious over time.

Visit Urgent Care if You or Your Child Is Experiencing Severe Symptoms

There is no treatment for RSV, and most people get better within a week or two. Home care techniques like cool mist humidifiers, fluids, and rest will usually help children with RSV feel better quickly.

However, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which are serious conditions. If your child develops signs of RSV, keep an eye on them and take them to urgent care if they show symptoms such as:

• Fever in infants under 2 months of age
• Difficulty breathing
• Irritability
• Cannot or will not take a bottle
• Worsening cough beyond 3 to 5 days

If your baby or child has signs of severe RSV, you should take them to the emergency room. Signs of severe RSV include:

• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing
• Gasping for breath
• Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
• Spread-out nostrils (nasal flaring)
• Sucking or caving in of the chest when trying to breathe
• Signs of dehydration, such as crying without tears and urinating less often

Next Level Urgent Care for RSV Symptoms

Next Level urgent care can deliver timely, professional care and give you peace of mind if your child has RSV. Our team will listen to your concerns, perform a thorough exam, and give you medical advice to help your loved one feel better soon.

Next Level has over 45 convenient locations across Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and San Antonio so you can access care close to home or work. All of our facilities are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days per week, so you can get the care your loved one needs as soon as they need it. We welcome walk-in patients, or download the Next Level app to get in line online.