| Transmission |
Spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and direct contact with infected surfaces. RSV can survive on surfaces for several hours, making hand hygiene important for prevention. |
Primarily spread through respiratory droplets. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. |
Primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols. It can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces, although this is less common. Airborne transmission can occur in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. |
| Incubation |
4-6 days |
1-4 days |
Varies depending on variant
|
| Presentation |
- Cough, rhinorrhea, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, otitis, tracheobronchitis, wheezing
- Exacerbation of chronic pulmonary diseases
- Acute respiratory failure in severe cases
|
- Abrupt onset of fever, nonproductive cough, body aches, malaise, nausea, congestion, sore throat, headache
- Vomiting and diarrhea rare in adults
|
- Fever, chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, body aches, congestion, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea
|
| Testing |
Multipathogen PCR, rapid antigen testing, viral culture
|
Molecular assay, multipathogen PCR, antigen detection assay
|
Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), antigen testing |
| Treatment |
Supportive care: oxygen, bronchodilators, antipyretics, hydration
|
Supportive care: antipyretics, analgesics, hydration.
Antiviral treatment may be indicated
|
Outpatient
- Supportive care: Antipyretics, analgesics
- Antivirals: Paxlovid if within 5 days of positive test
Inpatient
- Supportive care: oxygen, fluids, antipyretics, analgesics, bronchodilators
- Antivirals: IV Remdesivir
- Steroids: For hypoxemic patients, Dexamethasone 6 mg IV daily for 10 days or until hospital discharge
|
| Prevention of Severe Illness |
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| Precautions |
Airborne
|
Droplet |
Airborne |