Infectious Disease Prevention: RSV

About RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is a respiratory virus that typically causes symptoms similar to a cold. The effects of RSV are mild for most people, and recovery from RSV usually occurs within one to two weeks. However, RSV can cause serious health problems in infants and older adults.

RSV Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Older

As immune systems weaken with age, older adults are at high risk to have serious complications from RSV. Two RSV vaccines – GSK Arexvy and Pfizer Abrysvo – are recommended for Waterbury adults ages 60 and older. A single dose of an RSV vaccine can help protect you from severe RSV illness. 

The Waterbury Health Department recommends that you decide with your healthcare provider if you are going to get a dose of RSV vaccine. Getting the RSV vaccine is recommended in the late summer or early fall, just before RSV usually starts to spread in the Waterbury community.

RSV Vaccines for Infants and Toddlers

For Waterbury residents who want to protect their baby from RSV, two options are recommended – an RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, and an RSV immunization given after birth.

RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy

• Get the RSV vaccine when you are 32-36 weeks pregnant.
• RSV vaccine is recommended from September through January when RSV is most prevalent in the Waterbury area.
• If you receive the RSV vaccine while pregnant, your baby will be protected and should not need the RSV immunization after birth.

RSV Immunization After Birth

• Get your baby vaccinated for RSV if your baby is younger than 8 months and born in the fall or winter.
• One dose of RSV antibody is also recommended for children between the ages of 8 and 19 months who are entering their second RSV season – particularly if they have chronic lung disease, are severely immunocompromised, have cystic fibrosis, or are of American Indian and Alaska Native descent.

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RSV Symptoms

• Within 4 to 6 days after getting infected, people with the RSV illness typically show symptoms – including runny nose, lower appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. 
• Symptoms usually appear in multiple stages, rather than at once. 
• Young infants with RSV may only show irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing.
• Call your healthcare professional if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing RSV-like symptoms.

RSV Care

The Waterbury Health Department does not recommend antiviral medication to fight infection from RSV. Most RSV infections go away on their own within one or two weeks.

Relieving Your RSV Symptoms

• Take over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers – such as Tylenol or Motrin – to manage fever and pain. Do not give aspirin to children experiencing RSV illness.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you are caring for a child exposed to RSV.