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Health Conditions
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
What causes it?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is caused by a virus that can enter into the body through the nose, eyes, or mouth. RSV attaches itself to the upper portion of the respiratory tract, including the nose, mouth, throat, pharynx or larynx. The virus can then move to the lower respiratory tract, the lungs. RSV is highly contagious. The virus can be spread through physical contact such as touching, kissing, or any other close contact with an infected individual. When infected individuals cough or sneeze, RSV can be emitted and travel in the air to infect other individuals as they breathe in the same air. The virus can also land on objects such as tables, toys, or drinking cups or glasses and live on the surface for 4 to 7 hours. If you touch or use those objects within this time frame, RSV can then enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What causes it?
