RSV is spread through contact with infected droplets. It can also be spread through touching spaces that has the virus on it. People who get RSV are usually contagious for 3-8 days; sometimes they can become a contagious a day before they begin showing symptoms.

1. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a respiratory tract infection. It happens when the bronchioles(airways that carry oxygen) in the lungs get infected with a virus (such as RSV) and swell up. This makes it harder to breathe, as there is less space for the air to pass through. The bronchioles can also get backed up with mucus, which also makes it hard to breathe.

2. Lack of interest in playing in babies and young children/fatigue

In adults and children, RSV can cause fatigue. This is because your body is trying to fight off the virus and is using a lot of energy to do that while still carrying out other bodily functions. As a result, people infected with RSV can feel tired. In babies and young children that do not yet speak may exhibit fatigue and may not have an interest in playing.

3. Fever

RSV can cause fevers. fevers are a way that the human body tries to protect itself, in raising body temperature so that the virus may die off because of the excessive heat. High fevers can happen when the RSV infection is more severe.

Diagnosis

RSV may be diagnosed by getting blood. The blood is then tested for white blood cell counts or to look for the virus. A doctor will also listen to the patient's lungs to hear whether the patient is breathing abnormally or normally. In severe cases, the patient may receive a chest x-ray to determine where the lungs are inflamed.

Treatment

In most cases, doctors will recommend over the counter medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen to bring down fever and manage symptoms. They will also recommend for the patient to get lots of rest and to stay fed and hydrated. In severe cases of RSV, patients may need to be hospitalized. In these cases, patients may receive intravenous fluids as well as oxygen. In cases where the patient cannot breathe on their own, patient will be hooked up to breathing support machines.

RSV can also be prevented by vaccination. There is a CDC recommendation that adults older than 60 receive a single dose RSV vaccination.

Maternal vaccination can also take place. Those who are pregnant and between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy can receive an RSV vaccination, and the baby will be vaccinated as well. If the mother does not want to receive the vaccination, there is also an RSV vaccine available for babies.