Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. While it often causes mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, it can lead to severe illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, young children, and older adults. Because the virus circulates widely each year, preventing its spread is a significant public health concern, especially for those caring for vulnerable populations. Understanding RSV transmission is the first step in implementing effective safety measures.
RSV Transmission Routes and Required Safety Measures
RSV transmission requires a dual approach to infection control. It spreads through large respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes within close proximity to others. These droplets travel short distances before falling onto surfaces or being directly inoculated onto the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The virus is also transmissible through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces, known as fomites. RSV can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and crib rails, for several hours. A person can become infected indirectly by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their own face. Because of this dual nature, health organizations recommend using both Contact and Droplet precautions to interrupt the spread.
Implementing Contact and Droplet Precautions
Effective control relies on consistently performing both Contact and Droplet precautions simultaneously. Droplet precautions focus on minimizing the spread of respiratory secretions through the air. This includes maintaining a physical distance from the infected individual, ideally more than three feet, to reduce the chance of large droplets reaching you.
The infected person should practice diligent respiratory hygiene by covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, immediately disposing of the tissue, and cleaning their hands afterward. In healthcare settings, a standard surgical mask worn by the infected individual or the caregiver acts as a physical barrier to block droplet transmission, especially when close contact is unavoidable.
Contact precautions target the virus’s ability to survive on surfaces and hands. Rigorous hand hygiene is the most effective tool, involving washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching the sick person or their environment. If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is an acceptable alternative for frequent use.
Caregivers should implement environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces. This includes frequently wiping down items like remote controls, shared toys, light switches, and doorknobs with an EPA-approved disinfectant effective against viruses. Caregivers of infants, who are at high risk for severe illness, should be meticulous about washing their hands before handling the baby, especially if they have been in contact with older children. Avoiding the sharing of personal items, such as utensils, cups, and towels, also limits the spread of the virus.