Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.

How long is RSV contagious for?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.

What is RSV called in adults?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus can also infect adults. In adults and older, healthy children, RSV symptoms are mild and typically mimic the common cold. Self-care measures are usually all that’s needed to relieve any discomfort.

Infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rotavirus comprise the dominant part of pediatric infectious morbidity each year [1,2]. Both infections are also associated with a considerable mortality on a worldwide basis [3,4]. Therefore, both infections are under research for possible means of prevention [5].