Help protect children and older adults from RSV

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing.

Take steps to relieve symptoms: 

— Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children. 

— Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids). 

— Talk to your health care provider before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.

RSV can spread when: 

— An infected person coughs or sneezes. 

— You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose or mouth. 

— You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV. 

— You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands.

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