Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)

Cook County Department of Public follows the scienced-based vaccination recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health  for flu, COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations. Access more details about our vaccination guidance to prevent respiratory illnesses here .

For other routine, non-seasonal, vaccinations, we follow the recommended vaccination schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics  as well as the CDC adult immunization schedule  and the CDC youth immunization schedule  from Aug. 7, 2025.

About RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can cause serious illness in some people, especially for infants and older adults.

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.

How RSV Spreads

• RSV spreads between people when an infected person coughs or sneezes near others, and virus droplets get in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• You can also get RSV when you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your face before washing your hands.

Symptoms

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. However, RSV can cause serious illness in some people.

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, including:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

Note: In very young infants with RSV, their only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

How to Treat RSV

• There is no treatment for RSV, but you can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medicine.
• Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children.
• Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Call your health care professional if you are having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

Note: Talk to your healthcare provider before giving a child non-prescription cold medicine. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.

Prevention

• RSV vaccination is recommended for the following populations:
  • infants under 8 months whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy
  • certain children ages 8-19
  • pregnant people
  • adults ages 50-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease
  • all adults ages 75 and older.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.