Not every virus is the same and not all individuals respond in the same way to virus exposure. RSV is also referred to as respiratory syncytial virus and is an infection that is most prominent in young children. This respiratory illness has very distinct causes and symptoms, but is RSV contagious?
Here is some more information about RSV that you may find helpful:
What Is RSV?
RSV is an infection that affects the lungs and the breathing airways. It is very severe in young children, but adults exposed to the same infection will only have mild symptoms. Adults that have RSV will only have an infection with symptoms that mimic the common cold. This means that adults with RSV will experience symptoms including runny nose, sore through and mild headache pain. However, this infection works completely different in babies and young children.
Babies and young children that get RSV will experience very severe symptoms. Children that already have heart, lung and immune system diseases that are exposed to RSV can develop more serious conditions that cane even be life threatening.
Is RSV Contagious?
Since RSV can be a very serious infection in young children, it is important to know how RSV is spread. RSV is incredibly contagious and is passed through droplets from the nose or throat that contain the virus. This means that when children sneeze or cough they could be spreading the RSV infection. It is so contagious that the spores can live on surfaces for many weeks. This means that once something is contaminated it can keep spreading the infection until the surface is cleaned thoroughly.
Epidemics Are Common
RSV is so contagious that it can quickly spread through schools and daycare centers. There have been numerous epidemics where RSV was passed to large numbers of children. Babies can get this virus by being exposed to siblings that contracted RSV from their school. It is such a common infection that most children are infected with RSV before the age of 2. It is only a serious condition to babies or children with other severe diseases that impact the immune system, heart or lungs.
How To Prevent RSV
Since this infection is so contagious, it can be difficult to prevent. However, it is always a great idea to practice good hygiene habits and wash your hands frequently. Schools should also take the precaution of washing down surfaces often.
