Home
/
NowPatient Blog
/
How Long Does an RSV Infection Last?

How Long Does an RSV Infection Last?

Navin Khosla NowPatientGreen tick
Created on 10 Jan 2025
Updated on 28 Mar 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral respiratory infection that causes common cold-like symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose, but it is also the most common cause of serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies and young children. In this article we will look deeper into what a RSV infection is, its causes, symptoms and how long it lasts.

📝 When is RSV season?

RSV spreads in the autumn and winter along with other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January. Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infections make it difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other viral infections like the flu or COVID-19.

📝 How does RSV spread?

This respiratory virus is very infectious, spreading through close contact with a person who has the virus. When an infected person sneezes or coughs (secretions) the virus goes into the air around them and can land in someone else’s eyes, nose or mouth. RSV can also live on hard surfaces for hours. If you touch something that the virus lands on then touch your face you may pick up the virus.

😷 What are common RSV symptoms?

The symptoms of RSV will generally show up in the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Ear infection
  • Mild headache
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Lack of appetite

RSV causes low grade mild cold symptoms in most people, but for others in high risk groups RSV can cause more severe symptoms in the lower respiratory tract, such as difficulty breathing. Serious respiratory illnesses include bronchiolitis or pneumonia which may lead to hospital care.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a lung infection of the small airways in the lungs called bronchioles. When bronchioles are obstructed because there is an inflammation of the tissue inside them causing mucus overproduction, this may lead to trouble breathing and other symptoms.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that affects the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. When you have pneumonia, these air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid making it harder to breathe.

📅 How long does RSV last?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) RSV can last a couple of weeks for most, with many people able to recover from an RSV infection within two weeks, though coughing or wheezing may last longer.

Recovery may take longer in the following situations:

  • Developing a severe RSV infection or complications
  • Underlying medical conditions that make it harder to fight off infections
  • A condition which causes a weakened immune system

If you develop worsening symptoms or complications from RSV you may need treatment in a hospital.

❗ High risk groups

The virus can affect a person of any age, but presents a higher risk for babies and older people. RSV tends to be particularly tough on babies and toddlers who catch it because the first time is usually the worst. It is also difficult for older adults as their immune systems are weaker and find it harder to fight off infection.

Risk factors in older adults

Adults at highest risk for severe RSV disease include:

  • Adults 75 years of age and older
  • Adults with heart disease
  • Adults with chronic lung disease and other lung conditions e.g. asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Adults with weakened immune systems e.g. having a previous organ transplantation
  • Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions
  • Adults living in nursing homes
  • Adults who work in hospitals

Risk factors in young children and babies

Some age groups are at high risk of RSV complications:

  • Babies 12 months old and under
  • Children 2 years old and under with medical conditions or a weak immune system
  • Children 2 years old and under born prematurely or have a low birth weight
  • Children with Down syndrome
  • Previous congestive heart failure
  • Children attending nursery/day-care
  • Exposure to tobacco smoke

💊 Treatment

There is no specific treatment to be used to treat RSV. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and risk factors.

Treatment for mild illness

  • Use saline drops or saline nose spray to help remove thick mucus from the nose
  • Over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable
  • Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids
  • Throat lozenges
  • Decongestants if suitable

Treatment for severe illness

If your symptoms do not improve you may need to contact a healthcare provider to treat complications. Some hospital treatments may include:

  • IV fluids for rehydration
  • Oxygen through a mask
  • Removal of mucus from airways

👍 Preventing RSV

There are things you can do to lower your risk of getting sick or developing complications, even when things are not in your control:

  • Take a RSV vaccine

The NHS approve RSV vaccines for adults between 75 to 79 years of age and pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards. Older adults only need a single dose which should protect them for several years. Some babies may be suitable for monoclonal antibody immunisations such as nirsevimab and palivizumab, if they are at very high risk of getting ill.

  • Regular hand washing with soap and water, particularly before preparing food and eating
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • Disinfect hard surfaces e.g. doorknobs that have come into contact with people who have cold symptoms
  • Discourage close contact with infected people
  • Avoid kissing babies on the face and hands
  • Avoid large indoor events during RSV season or avoid visiting family or friends when they’re sick
  • Wear a mask in public spaces to limit exposure

📝 Conclusion

RSV vaccines and other preventive measures, such as washing your hands frequently, can help stop the spread of the virus and help reduce how long the infection lasts. However recovery will take longer if you have underlying medical conditions. Speak to a healthcare professional about RSV vaccines and for a complete list of medical conditions that lead to an increased risk of severe RSV.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

Now Patient Data Security

Trusted and certified to keep your data safe.

Learn moreNow Patient Data Security
Now Patient Data Security

Can I Trust NowPatient

Our product and services are certified to international healthcare, medical device and data security standards

Medicines Experts

Meet our medical team

WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT

We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives

The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.

Download our app today

NowPatient's app dashboard

Your Questions Answered

For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly

What does NowPatient do?

NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.

Get started today and benefit from medication remindersGet Treated PrivatelyNHS online pharmacyGP appointment bookingRx savings cardDrug CouponsUS drug savings programshealth conditions informationgenetic testinghome test kitsBMI RisksType 2 Diabetes Riskspollen meterair quality monitor, and lots more!

Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.

UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.

US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

Where is NowPatient located?

NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.

In the UK, we are located at:

NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA

In the US, we are located at:

NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX

How can I contact NowPatient?

To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.

Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:

UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977

Who owns NowPatient?

NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.

Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).

Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?

NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.

Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).

Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.

How do I make a complaint?

From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?

Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:

• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old

NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?

Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.

You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.

Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?

Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.

NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.

Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:

NowPatient Trustpilot

What are NowPatient’s opening hours?

Our office hours are:

UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST

Please note that we are closed at weekends.

In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:

UK – 999
US – 911

In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:

UK – 111