RSV

Last updated September 17, 2026

Public health professionals: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) updated their RSV vaccine guidance for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. The RSV Talking Points reflect the most up-to-date recommendations. PHCC will update the RSV topic page throughout the fall and winter as new information is released.

Talking Points

What is RSV?

1. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages like the nose, mouth, and throat. Most people infected with RSV will experience mild illness and recover within one to two weeks at home. However, infants, young children, older adults, and other certain groups are at higher risk for severe RSV disease.
2. Symptoms of RSV may include a runny nose, a lower appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
3. Infants who get RSV usually show symptoms, unlike adults, who can sometimes get RSV and not have any symptoms. In children under 6 months, symptoms of RSV may include irritability, breathing trouble, and decreased eating, drinking, and activity. 

RSV Transmission

1. RSV is spread when infected people cough, sneeze, or have direct contact with others. Less commonly, you can get RSV by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. 
2. Only a healthcare provider can administer a test to confirm an RSV infection. Contact a healthcare provider if you have questions about RSV infection, vaccination, or testing.

RSV Vaccination and Prevention

1. Vaccination: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommend RSV vaccination as the best way to protect against severe illness and additional trips to the doctor, emergency room, or hospital.
   • Recommendations for Older Adults: The AAFP recommends that adults ages 75 and older, and adults 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, receive the RSV vaccine at any time of year. There are three single-dose RSV vaccine options available for adults. No additional doses are recommended after the first dose.  
   • Recommendations for Pregnant People: ACOG recommends that pregnant people who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant between September and March get the RSV vaccine to protect their babies from severe RSV after birth. The RSV vaccine provides the best protection against severe RSV in babies from birth to 6 months old, when a baby’s immune system is not ready to develop immunity on its own.
   • Recommendations for Infants: If the pregnant parent does not receive an RSV vaccination, the AAP recommends that babies ages 8 months and under and born during or near the RSV season, typically between October and March, receive an RSV immunization. Infants and children ages 8 through 19 months who are at high risk of severe RSV and entering their second RSV season should also get an RSV immunization.
     • Monoclonal antibodies from the RSV immunization provide direct and rapid protection; Protect from RSV immunization lasts at least 5 months and is 90% effective at preventing infant hospitalizations.
   • Recommendations for People with Compromised Immune Systems: IDSA recommends that people with compromised immune systems ages 18 and older receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. People with compromised immune systems who are ages 18 and under should consult with a healthcare professional through shared clinical decision-making. 
2. Other Forms of Prevention: In addition to vaccination for high-risk groups, washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, sanitizing surfaces, and avoiding direct contact with others when sick can offer additional protection against RSV. 

For more messages related to the 2026-27 RSV vaccine guidance, refer to Communicating About RSV Vaccination in 2026-27.

RSV Treatment

1. Most people recover in one to two weeks and can treat symptoms at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever as needed.  
2. Contact a healthcare provider if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or symptoms are worsening.