How RSV Spreads, Who Is at Risk, and How to Stop It

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. Nearly all children catch it before their second birthday, most for the first time as infants or toddlers, and people can be infected again throughout life.

How it spreads

RSV spreads when:

• a person with RSV coughs or sneezes near you
• droplets from a cough or sneeze get into your eyes, nose or mouth
• you have direct contact with someone who has it — for example, kissing the face of a child with RSV
• you touch a contaminated surface, such as a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands

The virus can survive for many hours on hard surfaces like tables and crib rails, but for shorter times on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands.

How long people are contagious

Children often pick up RSV at school or child care and bring it home to their families.

Who is at higher risk

Infants, some young children, and older adults or adults with certain risk factors are more likely to get severely ill — and RSV immunizations are available for some of them.

When is RSV season?

In most of the United States, RSV season usually starts in the fall and peaks in winter, though timing and severity vary from year to year and place to place. Over each fall and winter, RSV reaches every part of the continental United States, so it’s worth knowing the local activity — CDC tracks it on its Respiratory Illness Data Channel.

Preventing spread

• Good hygiene: cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Cleaner air: bring in fresh outdoor air, purify indoor air, or gather outdoors.
• Stay home and away from others when sick.
• Extra tools: masks, physical distancing and testing.

Sources

Based on "RSV Transmission," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.