Can I get RSV from my son?

Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or childcare centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.

Can adults get RSV from a child?

Overview. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus can also infect adults.

Can adults get sick from RSV exposure?

RSV infections can be dangerous for certain adults. Each year, it is estimated that between 60,000-160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized and 6,000-10,000 of them die due to RSV infection.

Is RSV contagious and can adults get it?

Young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions are more likely to get seriously sick with RSV. RSV is extremely contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets, much like the flu and COVID-19.

Should I stay home if my child has RSV?

If my child or I have symptoms consistent with RSV, what should I do? If you or your child have symptoms consistent with RSV, or any respiratory illness, contact a health care provider right away who can help you with diagnosis and care. While sick, stay home from school or work to prevent spreading the illness.

What Do Parents Need To Know About RSV Infections In Children?

Are parents contagious when child has RSV?

4. Parents and other adults can easily infect young children with RSV. Because RSV symptoms resemble those of the common cold (runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, and sometimes a fever), parents and other adults may not realize they are infected with the virus but can still be contagious.

How long should you quarantine with RSV?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. 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.

Should adults with RSV stay home?

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing, or sneeze and cough into your elbow. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with others who have coughs, colds, or are sick with a known RSV infection. Stay home if you are sick.

What happens when adults get RSV?

So, what's the big deal? RSV has the potential to make you really sick. Usually, as an adult, when you become ill with RSV you have mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and a headache. But sometimes, and for some people, you can become so ill you need to be hospitalized.

How do you know if adults have RSV?

Signs of RSV in adults usually include the typical cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue and sometimes fever. Adults over the age of 65 or those with health complications are at higher risk for developing more severe RSV. Serious cases can cause trouble breathing or dehydration and may lead to a hospital stay.

How is RSV treated in adults?

If the RSV infection is severe, a hospital stay may be necessary. Treatments at the hospital may include: Intravenous (IV) fluids. Humidified oxygen.

What medication do adults take for RSV?

There's no cure or specific treatment for RSV. If you have mild RSV symptoms, you should rest and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to help with symptom relief. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with any body aches or fatigue.

Is RSV worse than COVID?

Coronavirus and RSV

So far, the new coronavirus appears to be more dangerous for adults, especially older ones. RSV is riskier for young children, but it can also be serious for older people and those who have other health problems.

What is the fastest way to get rid of RSV in adults?

There's no specific treatment for RSV in adults. Instead, the CDC recommends that you take OTC fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed and drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

How many days does RSV last in adults?

Most adults who get RSV have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms are consistent with upper respiratory tract infections and include cough, headache, fatigue and fever, and symptoms usually last fewer than five days.

How long will you test positive for RSV?

By using a rapid test for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection (Abbott TestPack RSV), a number of patients were observed, showing repeatedly positive results over a period of up to 10 weeks.

How do I prevent RSV from spreading in my house?

Is RSV extremely contagious?

RSV is very contagious. It can spread through the droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or if you touch a contaminated surface, such as counters or doorknobs (where it can live for hours).

Can my child still go to daycare with RSV?

RSV is very contagious! Please do not send your child to daycare or school with a cold unless they have been cleared by a health-care provider. People of any age can catch RSV.

When can I return to school after RSV?

If my child has this disease, when can he or she return to school or child care? A child with RSV can return after it has been 8 days since symptoms started.

Why are adults getting RSV?

How do adults get RSV? RSV is spread from person to person, by way of inhalation of infected respiratory secretions (nose or throat) from others. It may also be acquired by contact with dried, infected respiratory secretions such as shared hard surfaces and even bedding. Therefore, hand hygiene is so important.

Should someone with RSV quarantine?

They should self-quarantine away from other family members as much as possible, especially infants and very young children (who are at the highest risk from RSV).

Should I stay home from work if my son has RSV?

Should I stay home from work or school or keep my child out of childcare with an RSV infection? To prevent the spread of illness, adults and children should stay home from work, school and/or childcare with a fever or upper respiratory symptoms such as a cough.

How do you test for RSV?

Both rRT-PCR and antigen detection tests are effective methods for diagnosing RSV infection in infants and young children. The RSV sensitivity of antigen detection tests generally ranges from 80% to 90% in this age group.

What is the incubation period for RSV?

The average incubation period is 5 days, with a range of 2 to 8 days.