transmission of RSV

Last reviewed 01/2018

RSV is a highly communicable infection with humans being the only known reservoir (1)

• incubation period may vary from 2 to 8 days (but may continue for up to four weeks in young infants) (2)
• virus spread occurs through close contact with infected persons via respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (1).

Reference:

• (1) Immunisation Against Infectious Disease - "The Green Book". Chapter 27. Respiratory syncytial virus (January 2013) 
• (2) Dawson-Caswell M, Muncie HL Jr. Respiratory syncytial virus infection in children. Am Fam Physician. 2011;83(2):141-6.