Division of Public Health Services  Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control   REVISED –January 2018 
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS 
INFECTION (RSV) 
 
RSV is an infection of the small air passages of 
the lung causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia.  
RSV is most common in children under 1 year of 
age but it can affect anyone at any age.  Most 
children have been infected with RSV by the time 
they turn 2 years of age, but only a few will 
develop serious illness.  Re -infection can occur 
throughout life. 
 
What are the symptoms of RSV? 
Small infants may have irritability, decreased 
activity and breathing difficulties as early 
symptoms.  Older children may have symptoms 
similar to any other respiratory infection, such as 
cough, sneezing, fever, runny nose, wheezing, and 
decrease in appetite. 
 
How is RSV spread? 
RSV is spread when the infected person sneezes 
or coughs the droplets into the air.  The person 
who is at risk then inhales the virus from the air.  
The infection can be spread by direct contact with 
nasal or oral secretions from the infected person.  
Activities such as kissing the face of a child or 
coming into c ontact with surfaces that have been 
infected with secretions and then rubbing the eyes 
or nose can spread RSV.  RSV is common in 
winter and early spring. 
 
What is the incubation period for RSV? 
The incubation period can range from 2 -  8 days 
but is usually 4 - 6 days. 
 
How can RSV be prevented? 
Steps can be taken to limit exposure and to help 
stop the spread of RSV infection: 
• Cover coughs and sneezes, 
• Wash hands frequently and correctly, 
• Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with 
others, 
• Refrain from kissing others, 
• Cleaning contaminated surfaces frequently 
(i.e., door knobs, toys, etc.) 
 
Should the child with RSV be excluded? 
Children with fever and respiratory symptoms 
should be excluded from childcare until they no 
longer have a fever.  Children with re spiratory 
symptoms should be kept separated from children 
with high-risk conditions. 
 
Is RSV Reportable? 
No. RSV is not reportable by New Hampshire 
state law to the Division of Public Health 
Services, Bureau of Infectious Disease Control;  
Public Health Pro fessionals are available for 
consultation at (603) 271-4496.