Overview
- RSV is very common, with almost all children infected at least once before age two, and it often causes bronchiolitis in infants.
- The virus spreads through coughs and sneezes, and early symptoms can include a runny or blocked nose, cough, frequent sneezing, fever and tiredness.
- Severe cases can progress to pneumonia and may require hospital treatment.
- There is no specific treatment for RSV, and most infections improve within one to two weeks with hydration, saline drops and age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort.
- Some babies may be offered an antibody injection that lowers the risk of severe illness but does not cure an existing infection.