Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable groups like infants, young children, and older adults. Fomites, which are inanimate objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus, play a role in spreading the infection, especially in close-contact environments like homes and childcare settings. Knowing the survival limits of RSV on different materials helps caregivers take targeted action to protect those most at risk.
RSV Survival Rates on Fabrics
The viability of Respiratory Syncytial Virus is notably short on porous materials such as clothing, blankets, and stuffed toys. Fabrics absorb the moisture from respiratory droplets quickly, which causes the virus to dry out rapidly, leading to inactivation. Studies have shown that RSV typically remains infectious on soft surfaces like clothing and fabric for a limited duration, generally less than two hours. Research indicates that on materials like cloth gowns or paper tissue, the infectious virus can only be recovered for about 30 to 45 minutes. This short survival time is a direct result of the surface structure.
Comparison of RSV Survival on Hard Surfaces
The virus can persist for substantially longer periods on non-porous or hard surfaces. These include common items such as plastic toys, stainless steel railings, glass, and countertops. The lack of absorption on these surfaces means that the moisture within the viral droplet evaporates much slower. This delayed drying time allows the virus to maintain its structure and infectious capability for many hours. Depending on environmental factors like temperature and humidity, RSV can survive for anywhere from six to twelve hours, and under optimal conditions, up to 24 hours later.
Primary Modes of RSV Transmission
The main way RSV spreads is through the air and direct personal contact. The virus is primarily transmitted via large respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can travel a short distance before landing on surfaces or being inhaled by another person. Direct contact also serves as a major route of transmission, such as kissing a child with RSV or touching an infected person’s hands. Fomite transmission occurs when a person touches a contaminated surface and then transfers the virus to their own eyes, nose, or mouth. Surface spread remains a relevant pathway, especially in shared spaces like daycare centers.
Practical Steps for Decontaminating Clothing
Effective decontamination of clothing relies on standard laundry practices. The combination of heat and detergent is highly effective at inactivating the RSV particles embedded in the fabric fibers. The most reliable method for disinfecting textiles is using a hot water cycle with a standard laundry detergent. The high temperature of the water helps to denature the viral proteins, while the detergent washes away the remaining viral particles. All laundry from an infected individual should be washed separately to prevent cross-contamination.
Decontaminating Hard Surfaces
For hard surfaces, use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant that lists RSV on its label. These products, including certain bleach solutions or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners, are formulated to kill viruses efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s specific contact time, which is the amount of time the surface must remain visibly wet for the disinfectant to work effectively.