RSV causes infections of the upper respiratory tract (like a cold) and the lower respiratory tract (like pneumonia). It is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory infections, including pneumonia, in infants and children less than 2 years of age. Almost 100 percent of children in childcare get RSV in the first year of their life, usually during outbreaks during the winter months. In most children, symptoms appear similar to a mild cold. About half of the infections result in lower respiratory tract infections and otitis media. An RSV infection can range from very mild to life threatening or even fatal. Children with heart or lung disease and weak immune systems are at increased risk of developing severe infection and complications. RSV causes repeated symptomatic infections throughout life.

RSV is spread through direct contact with infectious secretions such as by breathing them in after an infected person has coughed or by touching a surface an infected person has contaminated by touching it or coughing on it. A young child with RSV may be infectious for 1 to 3 weeks after symptoms subside.

The most effective preventive measure against the spread of RSV and other respiratory viral infections is careful and frequent hand washing. Once one child in a group is infected with RSV, spread to others is rapid. Frequently, a child is infectious before symptoms appear. Therefore, an infected child does not need to be excluded from childcare unless he or she is not well enough to participate in usual activities.

If a child or adult in the child care facility develops an illness caused by RSV infection:

Make sure that procedures regarding hand washing, hygiene, disposal of tissues used to clean nasal secretions, and cleaning and disinfection of toys are followed.

If multiple cases occur, cohorting or separating ill children from well/recovered children may help to reduce the spread of RSV. Do not exclude ill children unless they are unable to participate comfortably in activities or require a level of care that would jeopardize the health and safety of the other children in your care.

© January 1997