Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory illness that primarily affects infants, young children, and older adults, especially those with weakened immune systems. With the recent increasing concern about RSV in recent years, experts are emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to limit its spread. Here are some key tips to protect yourself and others from RSV.

According to Dr. Haytham Hamwi, M.D., Nemours Children’s Health pediatric hospitalist chief at Inspira Health, in a recent interview with Parents.com, he states that RSV spreads when people with the virus cough or sneeze. Tiny virus droplets are then dispersed into the air, and individuals can be infected by breathing in the virus or touching contaminated surfaces.

“It can also spread by touching surfaces like toys, doorknobs, or tables where the virus can live for hours,” he said in his interview. “If you touch these surfaces and then touch your face, you may get sick. Another way it spreads is through direct contact, such as kissing or holding someone who is sick or touching their used tissues.”

RSV can pose a serious health risk when contracted. Keep reading for ways that parents can help limit the spread per pediatricians and other healthcare providers.

Practice Good Hygiene

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of RSV is regular handwashing. Experts recommend washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces in public places. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Disinfect all surfaces

RSV can survive on surfaces for several hours, so frequent cleaning of commonly touched objects like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and cell phones is essential. Use disinfectants that are effective against respiratory viruses to help kill the virus and reduce the chances of it spreading in your home or workplace.

Consider preventative shots for newborns

Jericho Bell, M.D., internal medicine and pediatrics at St. Dominic’s Family Medicine in Madison, Mississippi recommends that parents consider the new preventative shots for newborns. The Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is recommended for babies in their first winter, according to Bell, and the immunization lasts all RSV season.

“This is a really cool shot that contains antibodies that last for about five months to protect babies through the worst part of their first RSV season,” Bell told Parents. “I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to offer this to my first little patient. Nirsevimab passes immunity to babies through ‘passive immunization.’ The shot gives them antibodies that have already been made. With nirsevimab, babies are protected right away.”

Limit contact with sick people

RSV spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent transmission, avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of RSV, such as a cough, runny nose, or difficulty breathing. In particular, it’s important to protect high-risk individuals, including babies, elderly people, and those with underlying health conditions, as they are more vulnerable to severe complications from the virus.

Stay home when you or your child is sick

Dr. Zachary Hoy, M.D., board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee states that RSV is one of the more contagious infections, and typically everyone in a household gets it if one of the family members has it. In other words, if someone in the family has been diagnosed, everyone needs to stay home!

“Sick kids with copious runny noses, coughs, and certainly those with fever in the last 24 hours should be excluded from school and daycare,” Dr. Hannah Fotus Smitherman, M.D., the pediatric clerkship director at Texas Christian University, told Parents. “Everyone will benefit if we attempt to contain secretions like runny noses, coughs, and sneezes.”

Awareness and vigilance are key in protecting our communities against any and all diseases. Every small action counts in limiting the spread of this common yet potentially dangerous virus which symptoms include: congestion or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. If you suspect that yourself or others in the household are infected, contact your healthcare professional immediately.