What are the first symptoms of RSV in adults?

In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms….Symptoms

Congested or runny nose.
Dry cough.
Low-grade fever.
Sore throat.
Sneezing.
Headache.

How long after RSV exposure do symptoms start?

Symptoms generally begin four to six days after exposure. Symptoms generally develop slowly over a period of several days. The contagious period is usually less than 10 days after symptoms begin, but occasionally is longer.

Does RSV do permanent damage?

By age 2 to 3 years, lung alveolarization is complete and the RSV disease process is more likely to cause permanent disruption on alveolarization and adverse lung function.

Is RSV contagious for adults?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children and Adults. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious, seasonal lung infection. It’s a common childhood illness that can affect adults too. Most cases are mild, with cold-like symptoms.

How long are you contagious when you have RSV?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.

Does RSV weaken your lungs?

Most children recover completely from RSV and won’t have any extra problems the next time they have a respiratory infection (cold, flu or something similar). But for a few children, having RSV will make them more prone to other lung and breathing problems later on.

Can RSV damage lungs?

The infection usually causes no serious damage, but it can lead to serious lung complications. RSV is one of the most common viruses to cause lung and airway infections in infants and small children.

When do you start to show symptoms of RSV?

Signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms.

What are the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus?

Symptoms of RSV infection usually include. Runny nose. Decrease in appetite. Coughing. Sneezing. Fever. Wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

Can a RSV infection make an adult hard to breathe?

Learn more about severe RSV infection. When an adult gets RSV infection, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms. But RSV can sometimes lead to serious conditions such as More severe symptoms for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe)

How long does it take to recover from RSV infection?

Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature babies or infants and adults who have chronic heart or lung problems.