What Is RSV? Recognise the Symptoms and Stay Prepared

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV, 呼吸道合胞病毒) is a common respiratory virus that primarily affects infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. These groups are particularly vulnerable to RSV infections. In Hong Kong, RSV circulates throughout the year, but its transmission risk tends to increase with seasonal changes. For parents, understanding the characteristics of this virus and its prevention methods is crucial to safeguarding your children’s health. 

What is RSV?       

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. In the United States, RSV is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and even pneumonia in infants under the age of one. This highlights that young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe symptoms, with the virus affecting the airways, lungs, and middle ear. Fortunately, healthy adults typically recover from RSV within 1–2 weeks. In Hong Kong, RSV infections occur year-round, with peak seasons in spring and summer. 

How Does RSV Spread? 

RSV spreads through the following ways: 

• Direct Contact: Coming into contact with secretions from an infected person, such as droplets from coughing or sneezing. 

• Indirect Contact: Touching contaminated hands, utensils, or objects, and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. 

• Surface Contamination: RSV can survive for hours on hard surfaces like tables and crib rails. On softer surfaces, such as tissues or hands, it survives for shorter periods. 

Symptoms of RSV  

The incubation period for RSV ranges from 1 to 10 days, with an average of 5 to 7 days. Patients can be contagious 1–2 days before symptoms appear, and some infants or immunocompromised individuals can continue to spread the virus for up to four weeks after symptoms subside. 

RSV symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu and may include: 

• Runny nose 

• Loss of appetite 

• Coughing 

• Sneezing 

• Fever 

• Wheezing 

• Fast breathing 

In infants, RSV symptoms may also include irritability, reduced activity, and difficulty breathing. Groups at the highest risk of severe RSV symptoms include: 

• Premature infants 

• Children with congenital heart disease or chronic lung conditions 

• Children with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments 

• Children with neuromuscular disorders 

• Immunocompromised adults 

• Elderly individuals, particularly those with underlying heart or lung conditions 

How to Prevent RSV? 

1. Get Vaccinated: AREXVY vs. ABRYSVO

In Hong Kong, two RSV vaccines are available: 

ABRYSVO 

• Suitable for: Pregnant women (32–36 weeks of pregnancy), individuals over 60, and those with chronic conditions. 

• Efficacy: Reduces the risk of severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in infants by 76.5%. 

• Manufacturer: Pfizer 

AREXVY 

• Suitable for: Individuals aged 60 and above. 

• Efficacy: Provides 82.6% protection against RSV-related lower respiratory tract diseases and 94.6% protection for those with at least one underlying condition. 

• Manufacturer: GSK 

2. Maintain Good Personal Hygiene

According to the guidelines provided by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in Hong Kong, maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene is essential to preventing RSV: 

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face, eating, using the toilet, or after touching public facilities like handrails and door handles

• Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

• Avoid close contact with children, elderly individuals, or people with weakened immune systems if sick

• Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (e.g., furniture, toys) using a 1:99 diluted household bleach solution. Let the solution sit for 15–30 minutes before rinsing with water and wiping dry. For metal surfaces, use 70% alcohol for disinfection

• High-risk individuals should consider wearing surgical masks in crowded or poorly ventilated public areas

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