What Is RSV? Why Your Lungs Struggle + Medically Approved Next Steps

If you've been asking, "what is RSV?", you're not alone. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and airways. For many people, it feels like a mild cold. But for infants, older adults, and people with certain health conditions, RSV can become serious.

Understanding what RSV is, why it affects breathing, and what steps to take can help you stay calm, prepared, and proactive.

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What Is RSV?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. It spreads through:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Direct contact (like kissing a child's face)
• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Close contact in crowded indoor settings

Almost all children will have RSV at least once before age two. Adults can get RSV too — and can get it more than once in their lifetime.

In most healthy adults and older children, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But in certain groups, it can lead to more serious infections such as:

• Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways)
• Pneumonia
• Worsening of asthma or COPD

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Why Do Your Lungs Struggle With RSV?

To understand why RSV can make breathing difficult, it helps to know what happens inside your lungs.

When RSV infects the respiratory tract, it targets the lining of the small airways (bronchioles). The infection causes:

• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Mucus buildup
• Narrowing of air passages

In adults with healthy lungs, this may simply feel like congestion and coughing. But in babies or people with smaller or already-compromised airways, even minor swelling can significantly restrict airflow.

In Infants

Babies have very small airways to begin with. When RSV causes inflammation and mucus buildup, their breathing can become labored. This condition is called viral bronchiolitis, a leading cause of hospitalization in infants.

Signs of lung struggle in babies may include:

• Fast breathing
• Wheezing
• Flaring nostrils
• Chest retractions (skin pulling in between ribs)
• Difficulty feeding

If you're concerned about your child's symptoms and want to better understand whether they could indicate Viral Bronchiolitis, a free AI-powered symptom checker can help you assess symptoms quickly and know when to seek care.

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RSV Symptoms: What to Watch For

When asking what is RSV, it's important to recognize how it shows up.

Mild Symptoms (Common in Healthy Adults)

• Runny nose
• Mild cough
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

These symptoms typically appear 4–6 days after exposure and usually resolve within 1–2 weeks.

More Serious Symptoms

RSV can become more severe in:

• Infants under 12 months
• Premature babies
• Adults over 65
• People with heart or lung disease
• People with weakened immune systems

More serious warning signs include:

• Wheezing
• Persistent high fever
• Severe cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Dehydration
• Confusion (in older adults)

If you notice trouble breathing, chest pain, blue coloring of the lips, or signs of dehydration, seek medical care immediately. These symptoms can be life-threatening and require prompt evaluation.

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How Long Does RSV Last?

For most people:

• Mild symptoms improve in 7–14 days
• Cough may linger for several weeks
• Fatigue may persist temporarily

Infants and high-risk individuals may experience longer recovery times, especially if hospitalization is required.

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How Is RSV Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers typically diagnose RSV based on:

• Symptoms
• Physical exam
• Listening to lung sounds

In some cases, especially in infants or hospitalized patients, doctors may use:

• Nasal swab tests
• Oxygen level monitoring
• Chest X-rays (if pneumonia is suspected)

If you or your child is experiencing concerning symptoms, it's best to speak directly with a doctor for evaluation.

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Is RSV the Same as the Flu or COVID-19?

Many people asking "what is RSV?" wonder how it differs from other respiratory viruses.

RSV, flu, and COVID-19 can share symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Congestion

However:

• RSV more commonly causes bronchiolitis in infants.
• Flu often causes sudden high fever and body aches.
• COVID-19 may include loss of taste or smell (though not always).

Testing may be needed to tell the difference.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for RSV

There is no specific antiviral treatment for most RSV infections. Care is usually supportive, meaning it focuses on easing symptoms while your body fights the virus.

At-Home Care for Mild RSV

For healthy adults and older children:

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use saline nasal drops for congestion
• Run a cool-mist humidifier
• Take fever reducers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed)

Avoid giving aspirin to children.

When Hospital Care Is Needed

In moderate to severe cases, especially in infants, treatment may include:

• Oxygen therapy
• IV fluids
• Suctioning mucus from airways
• Close monitoring

Antibiotics do not treat RSV unless a secondary bacterial infection develops.

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Can RSV Be Prevented?

While RSV is common, prevention strategies can reduce risk.

Everyday Prevention

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid smoking exposure
• Stay home when sick

Vaccines and Preventive Options

Recent medical advances have led to:

• RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older
• RSV vaccines for pregnant women (to protect newborns)
• Monoclonal antibody preventive treatments for infants

If you're pregnant, over 60, or caring for an infant, speak to a doctor about whether RSV prevention options are right for you.

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Who Is at Highest Risk?

Understanding what RSV is also means knowing who should be especially cautious.

Higher-risk groups include:

• Premature infants
• Babies under 6 months
• Adults over 65
• People with chronic lung disease (like COPD or asthma)
• People with heart disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

If you or a loved one falls into these categories, take respiratory symptoms seriously and consult a healthcare professional early.

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When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

While many RSV cases are mild, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation:

• Trouble breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Chest pulling in with breaths
• Blue lips or face
• Severe dehydration
• Persistent high fever
• Confusion or extreme lethargy

If symptoms could be serious or life-threatening, do not delay — seek urgent care or emergency services.

Even for mild cases, it's always appropriate to speak to a doctor if:

• Symptoms worsen
• A baby is feeding poorly
• You are unsure whether it's RSV or another illness
• You have underlying health conditions

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The Bottom Line: What Is RSV?

So, what is RSV? It's a common but sometimes serious respiratory virus that infects the lungs and airways. For most healthy people, it behaves like a cold. For infants, older adults, and those with chronic conditions, it can cause significant breathing problems.

The key points to remember:

• RSV is very common and highly contagious.
• It primarily affects the respiratory system.
• Most cases are mild and improve with supportive care.
• High-risk groups require closer monitoring.
• Vaccines and preventive options are now available for certain populations.

Stay informed. Monitor symptoms carefully. And if anything feels severe or unusual, speak to a qualified healthcare professional promptly.

Being prepared — not panicked — is the most powerful step you can take.