Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus, in the same family as the human parainfluenza viruses and mumps and measles viruses. RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter.

RSV is transmitted by large droplets and by secretions from contact with an infected person. The virus can survive on surfaces or objects for about 4 to 7 hours.

The incubation period - the delay between infection and the appearance of symptoms - is short at about 3 to 5 days.


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