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RS Virus (RSV)
TIETOPAKETIT

RS Virus (RSV)

The RS virus is a common virus that causes respiratory infections, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals in risk groups due to their health conditions.

RSV

  • The RS virus, or RSV, causes respiratory infections, similar to the coronavirus and influenza virus. 
  • The RS virus causes annual epidemics, especially during the winter months.
  • Symptoms of an RSV infection include cough, runny nose, fever, and breathing difficulties. For a healthy adult, an RSV infection resembles a common cold. 
  • There is an effective vaccine against the RS virus, which can be obtained through Mehiläinen.

What is RSV?

The RS virus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a common virus that causes respiratory infections, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals in risk groups due to their health conditions. It is one of the most significant causes of lower respiratory tract infections in children. The RS virus can spread easily and cause various symptoms depending on the severity. The RS virus causes annual epidemics, especially during the winter months.

Transmission of the RS Virus

The RS virus is primarily transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread through contact when touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as doorknobs or toys, and then touching the face. An infected person can usually infect others for 3-8 days. The RS virus spreads more easily than the coronavirus or influenza virus.

To prevent infection, it is important to maintain good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with infected individuals.

You can contract RSV multiple times in your lifetime, meaning that no permanent immunity is developed after infection.

Symptoms of the RS Virus

Symptoms of the RS virus can range from mild to severe. In adults and older children, symptoms are often milder and resemble a common cold.

The most common symptoms of an RS virus infection are:

In young children and infants, symptoms can be more severe and may include wheezing, excessive mucus production, and loss of appetite. The above symptoms can also be related to other diseases or conditions. If symptoms have persisted for a long time, you are concerned about your health, or you wish to discuss with a doctor, please contact your physician.

Incubation time of the RS Virus

The incubation time of the RS virus, or the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms, is usually 4-5 days.

Duration of the RS Virus

An infection caused by the RS virus usually lasts 1–2 weeks. However, symptoms can persist longer, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Particularly, the cough may become prolonged. It is important to monitor the alleviation of symptoms and seek medical care if necessary.

Complications of the RS Virus

The RS virus can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or inflammation of the small bronchi, especially in risk groups. An RS virus infection can also exacerbate an existing chronic illness, such as heart or lung disease. In children, the RS virus can also cause ear infections as a complication.

Prevention and vaccine for the RS Virus

Prevention of the RS virus is primarily based on good hygiene, such as handwashing, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and cleaning surfaces.

An effective vaccine has been developed for adults against the RS virus. The RSV vaccine reduces the risk of severe respiratory infections and the need for hospitalization, particularly protecting risk groups. You can get the RSV vaccination through Mehiläinen. Book an appointment easily here.

Infants are given antibodies to prevent the RS virus at health clinics. For more information on administering RSV antibodies, contact your health clinic.

Virus testing through Puhti

Through Puhti, you can order virus tests without a doctor’s referral. Puhti offers testing options including both nucleic acid detection and antigen testing.

It is important to determine the cause of symptoms in a patient with fever and respiratory symptoms, as influenza, RSV infection, and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms. A laboratory test can examine all three infections simultaneously, facilitating the correct diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

You can learn more about the tests here:

Nucleic acid or antigen test?

Nucleic acid test identifies the virus’s genome, meaning they search for the virus’s genetic material in the sample. These tests are highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of the virus. They are suitable for testing both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and can provide results at any stage of the disease. However, PCR tests are usually slower, and obtaining results can take 1-3 days.

Antigen tests, on the other hand, identify the virus’s surface proteins. They are faster than nucleic acid tests and can provide results in as little as six hours. Antigen tests are best suited for testing symptomatic individuals, especially when less than five days have passed since the onset of symptoms. They are not as sensitive as nucleic acid tests but are useful in situations where a quick result is needed.

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Coronavirus and COVID-19

TIETOPAKETIT Viruses belonging to the coronavirus family can cause respiratory infections in humans, ranging from mild colds to more severe diseases.

RS Virus (RSV)
Information Article

RS Virus (RSV)

The RS virus is a common virus that causes respiratory infections, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals in risk groups due to their health conditions.

Article updated:
21 February 2025

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