Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen that affects people across all age groups, not just infants and young children. It is a significant cause of respiratory illness in adults. The duration of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. For the typical, healthy adult, the infection usually presents as a cold-like illness, but for others, it can lead to severe and prolonged respiratory issues.
The Typical Duration of RSV Symptoms
For an otherwise healthy adult, the acute phase of an RSV infection typically lasts between three and eight days. Symptoms usually appear four to six days after exposure, starting mildly and peaking in severity around days three to five. Most people manage their symptoms with supportive care like rest and hydration during this period.
Severe symptoms, such as fever and body aches, often resolve within the first week. However, residual effects commonly linger after the acute illness has passed. A persistent cough and fatigue may last for up to two weeks, or slightly longer. This lingering cough is usually a sign of airway irritation, not acute illness.
Factors That Lead to a Longer Recovery Period
Underlying health conditions or advanced age can significantly extend the duration and severity of an RSV illness. Adults aged 65 and older are at a higher risk for prolonged illness because their immune systems naturally weaken with age, making it harder to clear the virus. This age group accounts for a large number of annual RSV-related hospitalizations.
Individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions are also prone to extended recovery times and complications. RSV can cause an acute exacerbation of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or congestive heart failure. The inflammation places a strain on compromised organs, leading to symptoms that persist for weeks.
The development of secondary infections, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, also prolongs recovery. These complications require additional medical intervention and can extend the total illness duration beyond the typical two-week mark. People with weakened immune systems can experience a significantly prolonged course of illness, sometimes with symptoms that linger for weeks.
Understanding Adult RSV Symptoms and Severity
In healthy adults, an RSV infection closely mimics a common cold, often making it difficult to distinguish from other respiratory viruses without testing. Common initial symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a sore throat.
The illness tends to progress gradually, in contrast to the sudden onset seen with influenza. Symptoms are generally mild to moderate but can feel more severe than a typical cold, characterized by a persistent cough that may involve wheezing. In high-risk groups, the illness can rapidly progress to severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, or a bluish tint to the skin, signaling a need for immediate medical care.
When an Adult with RSV Is No Longer Contagious
The period during which an adult can transmit RSV is known as viral shedding, and it typically begins before symptoms are noticeable. For most adults, the window of contagiousness lasts for approximately three to eight days after symptoms begin.
To minimize spread, an adult with a respiratory illness should remain home until they have been fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Overall symptoms should also be improving before returning to normal activities. Individuals who are immunocompromised can shed the virus for a much longer period, sometimes for several weeks, even if their symptoms have already improved.