{"id":14105,"date":"2023-02-03T15:23:44","date_gmt":"2023-02-03T20:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=14105"},"modified":"2026-08-20T14:36:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T18:36:17","slug":"respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv\/","title":{"rendered":"Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Asthma T-Hero Section&#8221; module_class=&#8221;hero tert&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Asthma.jpg&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_right&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1%||1%||true|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;2247&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;bottom_left&#8221; background_horizontal_offset=&#8221;0%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Nav Parent Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;tert-parent&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;32px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Asthma<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Breadcrumbs&#8221; module_class=&#8221;bcrumb&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-size:16px;||color: #fff;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Main Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||2%||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|auto|||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_title meta=&#8221;off&#8221; featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Page Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;tert-content q&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; title_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center_left&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221; Intro Content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Respiratory syncytial [sin-SISH-uhl] virus, called RSV, is a virus that affects your lungs. It is a common virus with cold-like symptoms that can affect people of all ages. RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and airway inflammation (bronchiolitis) in children in the United States younger than 1 year of age.<sup>1<\/sup> <\/span><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; Intro&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>RSV usually causes mild symptoms. Most people get better in a week or two. But RSV can be serious, especially for infants, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised. Typically, the RSV season in the U.S. starts in the fall and peaks in the winter months, but the timing and severity of the RSV season can vary from year to year.<\/p>\n<p>In children, this infection leads to millions of hospital stays each year, much like the flu. In adults, RSV can cause severe respiratory illness that can make underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure worse.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; What Are the Symptoms of RSV?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Are the Symptoms of RSV?<\/h3>\n<p>It can take as long as 4 to 6 days after contact with RSV before someone has symptoms. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Runny nose<\/li>\n<li>Stuffy nose<\/li>\n<li>Eating less or not interested in eating<\/li>\n<li>Coughing<\/li>\n<li>Sneezing<\/li>\n<li>Red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Symptoms in very young infants may be different. They can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Being irritable or cranky (fussiness)<\/li>\n<li>Eating or drinking less or not interested in eating<\/li>\n<li>Decreased activity and poor responsiveness<\/li>\n<li>Trouble breathing (for example, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and respiratory distress)<\/li>\n<li>Faster breathing than usual<\/li>\n<li>Pauses in breathing that last more than 10 seconds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Call your child\u2019s doctor right away if your child is having trouble breathing, not drinking enough fluids, not responding well, and\/or their symptoms are getting worse.<\/p>\n<p>If you or your child have any of the above symptoms, ask your doctor to test for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. It is possible to have any of these illnesses at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>RSV may have symptoms similar to other respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies. Our chart below lists the different symptoms for RSV, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/health-conditions-that-trigger-asthma\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/flu-influenza\/\">flu<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/health-conditions-that-trigger-asthma\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/covid-19-new-coronavirus\/\">COVID-19<\/a>, the common cold (caused by other viruses),\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/\">asthma<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/allergies\/allergy-symptoms\/rhinitis-nasal-allergy-hayfever\/\">seasonal allergies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33286 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies.png 1080w, https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies-980x1307.png 980w, https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies-480x640.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1080px, 100vw\" \/><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><a title=\"enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias\" href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias.png\" alt=\"enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1858\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><a title=\"respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies-2023.png\" href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click to see larger image<\/a> (English)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias\" href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Click to see larger image<\/em><\/a> <em>(Spanish)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; How Does RSV Spread?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>How Does RSV Spread?<\/h3>\n<p>RSV spreads when people talk, laugh, cough, and sneeze. The virus droplets get into the air, and then you breathe them in. The droplets can also land on surfaces, like a doorknob or toys. You can catch the infection by touching the surface with the virus on it and then touching your face. The virus can live on hard surfaces, such as a table or crib rail, for many hours.<\/p>\n<p>You can also get RSV from direct contact, like kissing someone with RSV. Children often come in contact with RSV at day care centers or in schools.<\/p>\n<p>People of any age can get RSV, but it typically affects infants and toddlers. If you have a certain medical condition, the infection may be more severe.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; Who Is at High Risk From RSV?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Who Is at High Risk From RSV?<\/h3>\n<p>Adults who have the highest risk of severe illness and complications (serious health problems) from RSV infection include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Older adults, especially people 75 and older<\/li>\n<li>Adults with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart disease<\/li>\n<li>Adults with weakened immune systems or immune deficiencies<\/li>\n<li>Adults living at high altitudes (8,500 feet or 2,500 meters or higher)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Infants and young children are also at high risk. Children at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Premature infants<\/li>\n<li>Very young infants, especially ages 6 months and younger<\/li>\n<li>Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease (like asthma or cystic fibrosis) or heart disease (present from birth or congenital heart disease)<\/li>\n<li>Children with neuromuscular disorders \u2013 this includes children who have trouble swallowing or clearing mucus<\/li>\n<li>Children with Down syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; Can RSV Cause or Affect Asthma?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Can RSV Cause or Affect Asthma?<\/h3>\n<p>Like the flu, RSV is a lung infection that can trigger asthma. You may not feel or see symptoms of RSV the first 2 days you are sick. By day 3, you may start to feel congested, have a runny nose, fever, or may start to cough, wheeze, and have trouble breathing. People with asthma may have more severe asthma symptoms when they have RSV.<\/p>\n<p>If you or your child have asthma and get sick with RSV, be sure to follow your\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\">Asthma Action Plan<\/a>. Know asthma warning signs and symptoms. Call your health care provider if you or your child have trouble breathing, wheezing, a cough that gets worse, or symptoms that don\u2019t get better or get worse.<\/p>\n<p>There is a link between RSV infection in young children and the chances of developing asthma later in childhood.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f5eddf; padding: 10px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>RSV is the leading cause of hospital stays in young children and infants. Babies who get sick with RSV are more likely to have asthma later in childhood.<sup>3<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; What Is the Treatment for RSV?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Is the Treatment for RSV?<\/h3>\n<p>If you have asthma, contact your doctor right away if you have symptoms of RSV. If your infant has RSV symptoms \u2013 whether they have asthma or not \u2013 contact their doctor.<\/p>\n<p>Most RSV infections will go away on their own in about 7 to 10 days. RSV is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help. Talk with your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicines to help with symptoms, like pain relievers or cough and cold medicine. Be sure to talk with your doctor about how to take these medicines appropriately. Ask about nasal suction and lubrication \u2013 such as a nasal saline spray, mist, or drops \u2013 which may help ease congestion. Drink plenty of fluids and rest. Limit your time around other people to prevent spreading RSV.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; Are There Vaccines and Treatments for RSV?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Are There Vaccines and Treatments for RSV?<\/h3>\n<p>An RSV vaccine is available for some people. Talk with your doctor about the RSV vaccine if you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are an adult 60 years of age and older<\/li>\n<li>Are an adult 18 to 59 years of age <strong>and<\/strong> at an increased risk of RSV disease &#8211; including asthma (see risk factors in the section, \u201cWho Is at High Risk from RSV?\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season (October &#8211; March)<\/li>\n<li>Have an infant younger than 8 months of age born during RSV season or entering their first RSV season<\/li>\n<li>Have an infant 8-19 months of age <strong>and<\/strong> at high risk of severe RSV <strong>and<\/strong> entering their second RSV season<\/li>\n<li>Are an immunocompromised adult or you live with or have close contact with someone who is immunocompromised<\/li>\n<li>Are under age 18 and immunocompromised (shared decision making with your doctor may be required)<\/li>\n<li>Live or work in a nursing home or long-term care facility<\/li>\n<li>Work in a day care or child care facility with babies and young children<\/li>\n<li>Are an organ transplant candidate<\/li>\n<li>Would like to get the RSV vaccine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The vaccine can help prevent lower respiratory tract disease that is caused by the RSV virus. It is a one-time dose vaccine and can be given at the same time as other vaccines.<\/p>\n<p>There are also prescription medicines that provide protection against RSV for certain infants and young children, especially against severe illness. They are monoclonal antibody shots. They have proteins that stimulate your child\u2019s immune system to fight RSV.<\/p>\n<p>Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) or Clesrovimab (brand name Enflonsia) is recommended for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All infants younger than 8 months born during RSV season or entering their first RSV season. (If you got the RSV vaccine while you were pregnant, your infant may not need nirsevimab if they are younger than 8 months and were born 14 or more days after you got RSV vaccine.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is recommended for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some children aged 8 through 19 months who are\u00a0at increased risk for severe RSV disease\u00a0and entering their second RSV season:\n<ul>\n<li>Children who have a chronic lung disease because they were born prematurely<\/li>\n<li>Children who are severely immunocompromised<\/li>\n<li>Children with cystic fibrosis who have severe illness<\/li>\n<li>American Indian and Alaskan Native children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Talk with your doctor about which RSV prevention method is right for you and your child.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; How Else Can I Protect Myself and Other From RSV?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>How Else Can I Protect Myself and Others From RSV?<\/h3>\n<p>Here are other steps to help protect yourself and others from RSV:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help avoid having more than one infection at the same time.<\/li>\n<li>If you have RSV or cold-like symptoms, stay home to reduce your chance of spreading it to other people.<\/li>\n<li>Wear a well-fitting face mask (N95) in crowded indoor spaces when respiratory infections are spreading, which is usually during the fall and winter.<\/li>\n<li>Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.<\/li>\n<li>Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid close contact, such as kissing, drinking after someone, shaking hands, and sharing utensils with others who are sick.<\/li>\n<li>Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and cell phones, often.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Parents and caregivers can protect children from getting RSV by following these steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get your child the flu vaccine if they are 6 months or older to reduce the chance that they will get the flu and RSV at the same time or reduce their risk of severe illness.<\/li>\n<li>Get your child the COVID-19 shot if they are 6 months or older to reduce the chance they will get COVID-19 and RSV at the same time or to reduce their risk of severe illness.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home when you are sick.<\/li>\n<li>Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid touching faces, especially eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.<\/li>\n<li>Talk with your child\u2019s care center or school about what steps they take to reduce RSV spread.<\/li>\n<li>Have a backup child care plan in case it is needed.<\/li>\n<li>When possible, limit the time you spend in highly contagious settings during RSV season (usually September through January).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Medical Review&#8221; module_class=&#8221;med-rev&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_5_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_5_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><small>Medical Review: October 2024 by John James, MD. Updated with current vaccine information August 2026.<\/small><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;References&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_5_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_5_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5>References<\/h5>\n<p><small>1.\u00a0CDC. (2019). <i>RSV in Infants and Young Children<\/i>. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/high-risk\/infants-young-children.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/high-risk\/infants-young-children.html<\/a><\/small><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; open_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; closed_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; toggle_icon=&#8221;&#x4c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; use_icon_font_size=&#8221;on&#8221; icon_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;References&#8221; module_id=&#8221;references&#8221; module_class=&#8221;accord pa-accordion&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; closed_toggle_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; closed_toggle_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; body_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; body_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; body_link_font=&#8221;||||on|||#008C99|&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; width=&#8221;24&#8243; height=&#8221;24&#8243; height_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; height_phone=&#8221;&#8221; height_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||2%||false|false&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector {||      height: auto !important;||      width: auto !important;||}||||.et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| font-size: 20px;|| position: absolute;|| color: #FFFFFF;|| font-family: ETmodules !important;|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| content: %22%924c%22 !important;|| right: 2% !important;|| display: inline-block !important;||}||.accord .et_pb_toggle_content {||  color: #008c99;||  font-size: 16px;||  font-weight: 500;||}&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; global_module=&#8221;8665&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Closed Accordion&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;References&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><em>About RSV<\/em>. (2024, August 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/about\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/about\/index.html<\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). <\/em>(2024, June). National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfid.org\/infectious-disease\/rsv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.nfid.org\/infectious-disease\/rsv\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>RSV in\u00a0Infants and Young Children<\/em>. (2024, August 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/infants-young-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/infants-young-children\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Print&#8221; module_id=&#8221;print&#8221; module_class=&#8221;clearfix&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;5156&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv\/print\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Print post\"><svg class=\"WP-PrintIcon wp-print-icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6 2h8v4H6z\" \/><path d=\"M3 7h14v7h-3v-3H6v3H3z\" \/><path d=\"M6 12h8v6H6z\" \/><\/svg> Print post<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6%||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_type=&#8221;none&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Side Nav &#8211; Respiratory Infections&#8221; module_class=&#8221;sidenav&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; ul_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; ul_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F5EDDF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector {||  display: none !important;||}&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; global_module=&#8221;16119&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/\">Respiratory Infections<\/a><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/covid-19-new-coronavirus\/\">COVID-19 (Coronavirus)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/flu-influenza\/\">Flu (Influenza)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/pneumonia\/\">Pneumonia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv\/\">Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JdaT15jLjUk&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;YT Video &#8211; TV PSA &#8211; RSV&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;22562&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0AYgc2iyb5U&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;YT Video &#8211; RSV, Asthma &#038; You Webinar&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;21661&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/nga-6xgbpA4&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Tripledemic YouTube Video&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;15026&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Join Community Form&#8221; module_class=&#8221;joinwidget&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#28bdba&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;.joinform {color: white;}&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_module=&#8221;8956&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; raw_content__hover_enabled=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"joinform\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align:center; color: white;\">Join Our Online Support Community<\/h3>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t<\/p>\n<form method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/join\" id=\"Join\" name=\"AAFAJoin\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee>Email:<input type=\"text\" name=\"email\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"40\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee>Display Name: <input type=\"text\" name=\"displayName\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"40\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee style=\"text-align:center; color: white;\"><input type=\"submit\" value=\"Join Now\"><\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/form>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\tAAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases. Our community is here for you 24\/7. You can connect with others who understand what it is like to live with asthma and allergies. You&#8217;re not alone.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <!-- <pee style=\"display:block; text-align:center \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/media\/1003\/aafa-mobile.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/pee>\t--><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AsthmaRespiratory syncytial [sin-SISH-uhl] virus, called RSV, is a virus that affects your lungs. It is a common virus with cold-like symptoms that can affect people of all ages. RSV is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":1170,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"About Hero Section\" _builder_version=\"4.17.5\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"2723\" background_position=\"center_right\" custom_padding=\"2%||2%||true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_module=\"1511\" saved_tabs=\"all\" collapsed=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" alt=\"About AAFA\" title_text=\"AAFA-Website_Secondary_About\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"] [et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"2724\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"bottom_left\" background_horizontal_offset=\"0%\" background_vertical_offset=\"-5%\" custom_margin=\"|||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|||5%|false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_post_title meta=\"off\" featured_image=\"off\" admin_label=\"Page Title\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" title_font=\"|600|||||||\" title_text_color=\"#FFFFFF\" title_font_size=\"62px\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"contain\" background_position=\"center_left\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"8%||0px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_code admin_label=\"Breadcrumbs\" module_class=\"bcrumb\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_orientation=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-size:16px;||color: #fff;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][wpseo_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Main Content\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"bottom_right\" custom_padding=\"2%||2%||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_text admin_label=\"Page Content\" module_class=\"secondary-intro\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#505050\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_2_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#008c99\" header_2_font_size=\"39px\" custom_margin=\"||3%||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p><div id=\"page\" class=\"page-global\"><div id=\"BodyTextEditor\"><p>The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that spread easily. It can cause mild to severe illness. The flu causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year, including previously healthy children and adults.<\/p><p>The flu can affect your lungs when you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma.aspx\">asthma<\/a>. It can cause swelling and narrowing of your airways. This can trigger asthma symptoms, an asthma episode, or an asthma attack. If you have asthma, protecting yourself from the flu is very important.<\/p><p>Many people recover from the flu without problems. But having asthma puts you at risk of serious health problems from the flu.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p><h3>Common Flu Symptoms<\/h3><p>The flu usually starts suddenly and may include these symptoms:<\/p><ul><li>Fever (often very high, 101 or above)<\/li><li>Headache<\/li><li>Extreme tiredness, chills<\/li><li>Constant cough<\/li><li>Sore throat<\/li><li>Runny or stuffy nose<\/li><li>Body aches in bones and\/or muscles<\/li><\/ul><p>Diarrhea and vomiting also can occur but are more common in children. These symptoms are called \u201cflu-like symptoms.\"<\/p><h3>Common Emergency Flu Symptoms<\/h3><p>Some signs and symptoms need <span style=\"color:#d71921\">emergency <\/span>medical care right away. Call 911 if you or your child has these symptoms.<\/p><p>For children, emergency symptoms include:<\/p><ul><li>Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing<\/li><li>Cyanosis which is tissue color changes on mucus membranes (like tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 the color appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones<\/li><li>Not waking up or not conscious<\/li><li>Being irritable and difficult to comfort<\/li><li>Flu-like symptoms seem to improve but return with worse fever and cough<\/li><li>Fever with a rash<\/li><\/ul><p>For adults, emergency symptoms include:<\/p><ul><li>Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing<\/li><li>Pain in the chest or abdomen<\/li><li>Sudden dizziness<\/li><li>Confusion<\/li><li>Severe or persistent vomiting<\/li><\/ul><h3>How Does the Flu Spread?<\/h3><p>Unlike asthma, the flu is contagious. The flu spreads from coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person. You can also get the flu by touching something with the flu virus on it, then touching your mouth or nose. You can spread the flu before you know you are sick and when you are sick.<\/p><p>The flu spreads from fall through spring each year.<\/p><h3>Diagnosing the Flu<\/h3><p>There are tests that can tell if you have the flu. But testing is most accurate if it is done within the first three days of illness. You may also need a doctor\u2019s exam to tell if you have an infection that is a complication \u2013 a serious health problem \u2013 from the flu, like pneumonia.<\/p><p>Many different illnesses can have the same symptoms and can sometimes be confusing. Symptoms from other illnesses like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/covid19\">COVID-19<\/a>, the common cold, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergies.aspx\">allergies<\/a>, or asthma can be similar to the flu. COVID-19 testing is widely available, but you may need a clinic appointment to get tested for the flu. Visit or talk with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.<\/p><h3>Treating the Flu<\/h3><p>There are antiviral drugs approved to treat flu. Talk with your doctor about these prescription medicines. You need to start antiviral treatments within two days of when you start to have symptoms. If you get flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor right away.<\/p><p>Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Before taking over-the-counter medicines to help relieve flu symptoms, talk with your doctor. Some over-the-counter medicines or supplements can interfere with other medicine you may be taking.<\/p><h3>Preventing the Flu<\/h3><p>There are some easy things you can do to avoid getting and spreading the flu:<\/p><ul><li>Get the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that people ages 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine.<\/li><li>Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If you don\u2019t have access to running water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.<\/li><li>Stay away from people who are sick.<\/li><li>If you get the flu or have flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school.<\/li><\/ul><p>It is possible to also get other illnesses such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at the same time as the flu and become very sick. Getting the flu vaccine can help reduce your or your child\u2019s risk of severe illness from more than one respiratory infection.<\/p><h3>Special Information for People With Asthma<\/h3><p>Flu viruses change from year to year. So, the flu vaccine changes each year. The CDC also updates its guidelines each year. Get a flu vaccine every year when it becomes available, usually between August and October.<\/p><p>The vaccine is safe. If you have asthma, the risks of flu complications are far greater than not getting the vaccine.<\/p><p>If you care for children with asthma or live with people with asthma, get the flu vaccine to protect them.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><p>The flu vaccine is available as a shot or a nasal spray. AAFA recommends the following:<\/p><ul><li>Ages 6 months to 4 years: Get the flu shot.<\/li><li>Ages 4 and older: If your asthma is under control with no symptoms, you can get the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine.<\/li><li>Ages 4 and older: If you have recent asthma episodes or wheezing, get the flu shot.<\/li><\/ul><p>If you have asthma and get the flu, contact your doctor right away. You are at greater risk of becoming severely ill with health problems from the flu very quickly.<\/p><h3>Special Information for People With Allergies<\/h3><p>If you have ever had either of the following, you should check with your allergist to ask if the flu vaccine is safe for you:<\/p><ul><li>A life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine<\/li><li>A severe allergy to any part of a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins)<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Egg Allergy and Flu Vaccine<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidswithfoodallergies.org\/update-egg-allergy-flu-vaccine.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Flu Vaccine\">Egg allergy is not a reason to avoid the flu vaccine.<\/a> It is safe for ALL people with an egg allergy to receive an annual flu vaccine. This is true no matter how severe your egg allergy was in the past. This includes <a href=\"\/allergies\/allergy-symptoms\/anaphylaxis-severe-allergic-reaction\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Anaphylaxis\" rel=\"noopener\">anaphylaxis<\/a> (a severe allergic reaction) to egg.<\/p><p>The following organizations recommend getting the flu vaccine every year, even if you have an egg allergy:<\/p><ul><li>Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)<\/li><li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/li><li>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/li><li>American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)<\/li><li>American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI)<\/li><\/ul><p>You can get any flu vaccine, even if you have a history of mild or severe egg allergy. You can get the shot or nasal spray, depending on the recommendations above if you have asthma. You no longer need to be observed in a doctor\u2019s office for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine if you have or had an egg allergy.<\/p><p>The CDC makes the following recommendations for people with an egg allergy who get the flu vaccine:<sup><span style=\"font-size:10.8333px\">3<\/span><\/sup><\/p><ul><li>Anyone who has only hives from egg can receive any licensed and recommended flu vaccine for their age and health status.<\/li><li>Anyone who has had a reaction to egg other than hives should get the flu shot in a medical facility from a health care provider who can recognize and treat a severe allergic reaction.<\/li><li>Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction <em>to the flu vaccine<\/em> in the past should not get the flu vaccine.<\/li><\/ul><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.annallergy.org\/article\/S1081-1206(17)31187-0\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AAAAI and ACAAI<\/a> state that the vaccine is safe to give in any setting. There is no special waiting time or other precautions.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p><p><img alt=\"The flu vaccine is safe, even for people with egg allergy\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flu-vaccine-and-egg-allergy-graphic.png\" style=\"display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:80%\"><\/p><p><strong>Latex Allergy and Flu Vaccine<\/strong><br>If you have a latex allergy, check with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine. Latex could be in the flu vaccine vials or the syringes used to give the flu shot.<\/p><p><strong>Severe Allergic Reactions<\/strong><br>Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) after the flu vaccine are serious but rare.<\/p><p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=101&\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Avoid the Flu\">Download, Print, Share This Guide<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=101&\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Avoid the Flu\"><img alt=\"Flu vaccine handout\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-and-flu-prevention-handout-thumb.png\" style=\"text-align:center\"><\/a><\/p><p><small><a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/page\/medical-scientific-council.aspx\" title=\"Medical Science Council\">Medical Review<\/a> April 2021 by Sarah Goff, MD, PhD, and October 2021 by David Stukus, MD<\/small><\/p><p><small><strong>References<\/strong><br>1. Flu and People with Asthma | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC. (2019). Cdc.gov. Retrieved <\/small><span style=\"font-size:10.8333px\">October 14, 2021<\/span><small>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/asthma\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/asthma\/index.htm<\/a><br>2. Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved <\/small><span style=\"font-size:10.8333px\">October 14, 2021<\/span><small>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/consumer\/vaccinations.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/consumer\/vaccinations.htm<\/a><br>3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 22). Flu vaccine and people with egg allergies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/egg-allergies.htm#recommendations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/egg-allergies.htm#recommendations<\/a>.<br>4. Greenhawt, M., Turner, P. J., & Kelso, J. M. (2018). Administration of influenza vaccines to egg allergic recipients: A practice parameter update 2017. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 120(1), 49\u201352. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.anai.2017.10.020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.anai.2017.10.020<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div><\/div><div id=\"BodyTextEditor\"><p>The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that spread easily. It can cause mild to severe illness. The flu causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year, including previously healthy children and adults.<\/p><p>The flu can affect your lungs when you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma.aspx\">asthma<\/a>. It can cause swelling and narrowing of your airways. This can trigger asthma symptoms, an asthma episode, or an asthma attack. If you have asthma, protecting yourself from the flu is very important.<\/p><p>Many people recover from the flu without problems. But having asthma puts you at risk of serious health problems from the flu.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p><h3>Common Flu Symptoms<\/h3><p>The flu usually starts suddenly and may include these symptoms:<\/p><ul><li>Fever (often very high, 101 or above)<\/li><li>Headache<\/li><li>Extreme tiredness, chills<\/li><li>Constant cough<\/li><li>Sore throat<\/li><li>Runny or stuffy nose<\/li><li>Body aches in bones and\/or muscles<\/li><\/ul><p>Diarrhea and vomiting also can occur but are more common in children. These symptoms are called \u201cflu-like symptoms.\"<\/p><h3>Common Emergency Flu Symptoms<\/h3><p>Some signs and symptoms need <span style=\"color:#d71921\">emergency <\/span>medical care right away. Call 911 if you or your child has these symptoms.<\/p><p>For children, emergency symptoms include:<\/p><ul><li>Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing<\/li><li>Cyanosis which is tissue color changes on mucus membranes (like tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 the color appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones<\/li><li>Not waking up or not conscious<\/li><li>Being irritable and difficult to comfort<\/li><li>Flu-like symptoms seem to improve but return with worse fever and cough<\/li><li>Fever with a rash<\/li><\/ul><p>For adults, emergency symptoms include:<\/p><ul><li>Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing<\/li><li>Pain in the chest or abdomen<\/li><li>Sudden dizziness<\/li><li>Confusion<\/li><li>Severe or persistent vomiting<\/li><\/ul><h3>How Does the Flu Spread?<\/h3><p>Unlike asthma, the flu is contagious. The flu spreads from coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person. You can also get the flu by touching something with the flu virus on it, then touching your mouth or nose. You can spread the flu before you know you are sick and when you are sick.<\/p><p>The flu spreads from fall through spring each year.<\/p><h3>Diagnosing the Flu<\/h3><p>There are tests that can tell if you have the flu. But testing is most accurate if it is done within the first three days of illness. You may also need a doctor\u2019s exam to tell if you have an infection that is a complication \u2013 a serious health problem \u2013 from the flu, like pneumonia.<\/p><p>Many different illnesses can have the same symptoms and can sometimes be confusing. Symptoms from other illnesses like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/covid19\">COVID-19<\/a>, the common cold, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergies.aspx\">allergies<\/a>, or asthma can be similar to the flu. COVID-19 testing is widely available, but you may need a clinic appointment to get tested for the flu. Visit or talk with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.<\/p><h3>Treating the Flu<\/h3><p>There are antiviral drugs approved to treat flu. Talk with your doctor about these prescription medicines. You need to start antiviral treatments within two days of when you start to have symptoms. If you get flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor right away.<\/p><p>Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Before taking over-the-counter medicines to help relieve flu symptoms, talk with your doctor. Some over-the-counter medicines or supplements can interfere with other medicine you may be taking.<\/p><h3>Preventing the Flu<\/h3><p>There are some easy things you can do to avoid getting and spreading the flu:<\/p><ul><li>Get the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that people ages 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine.<\/li><li>Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If you don\u2019t have access to running water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.<\/li><li>Stay away from people who are sick.<\/li><li>If you get the flu or have flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school.<\/li><\/ul><p>It is possible to also get other illnesses such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at the same time as the flu and become very sick. Getting the flu vaccine can help reduce your or your child\u2019s risk of severe illness from more than one respiratory infection.<\/p><h3>Special Information for People With Asthma<\/h3><p>Flu viruses change from year to year. So, the flu vaccine changes each year. The CDC also updates its guidelines each year. Get a flu vaccine every year when it becomes available, usually between August and October.<\/p><p>The vaccine is safe. If you have asthma, the risks of flu complications are far greater than not getting the vaccine.<\/p><p>If you care for children with asthma or live with people with asthma, get the flu vaccine to protect them.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><p>The flu vaccine is available as a shot or a nasal spray. AAFA recommends the following:<\/p><ul><li>Ages 6 months to 4 years: Get the flu shot.<\/li><li>Ages 4 and older: If your asthma is under control with no symptoms, you can get the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine.<\/li><li>Ages 4 and older: If you have recent asthma episodes or wheezing, get the flu shot.<\/li><\/ul><p>If you have asthma and get the flu, contact your doctor right away. You are at greater risk of becoming severely ill with health problems from the flu very quickly.<\/p><h3>Special Information for People With Allergies<\/h3><p>If you have ever had either of the following, you should check with your allergist to ask if the flu vaccine is safe for you:<\/p><ul><li>A life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine<\/li><li>A severe allergy to any part of a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins)<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Egg Allergy and Flu Vaccine<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidswithfoodallergies.org\/update-egg-allergy-flu-vaccine.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Flu Vaccine\">Egg allergy is not a reason to avoid the flu vaccine.<\/a> It is safe for ALL people with an egg allergy to receive an annual flu vaccine. This is true no matter how severe your egg allergy was in the past. This includes <a href=\"\/allergies\/allergy-symptoms\/anaphylaxis-severe-allergic-reaction\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Anaphylaxis\" rel=\"noopener\">anaphylaxis<\/a> (a severe allergic reaction) to egg.<\/p><p>The following organizations recommend getting the flu vaccine every year, even if you have an egg allergy:<\/p><ul><li>Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)<\/li><li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/li><li>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/li><li>American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)<\/li><li>American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI)<\/li><\/ul><p>You can get any flu vaccine, even if you have a history of mild or severe egg allergy. You can get the shot or nasal spray, depending on the recommendations above if you have asthma. You no longer need to be observed in a doctor\u2019s office for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine if you have or had an egg allergy.<\/p><p>The CDC makes the following recommendations for people with an egg allergy who get the flu vaccine:<sup><span style=\"font-size:10.8333px\">3<\/span><\/sup><\/p><ul><li>Anyone who has only hives from egg can receive any licensed and recommended flu vaccine for their age and health status.<\/li><li>Anyone who has had a reaction to egg other than hives should get the flu shot in a medical facility from a health care provider who can recognize and treat a severe allergic reaction.<\/li><li>Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction <em>to the flu vaccine<\/em> in the past should not get the flu vaccine.<\/li><\/ul><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.annallergy.org\/article\/S1081-1206(17)31187-0\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AAAAI and ACAAI<\/a> state that the vaccine is safe to give in any setting. There is no special waiting time or other precautions.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p><p><img alt=\"The flu vaccine is safe, even for people with egg allergy\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flu-vaccine-and-egg-allergy-graphic.png\" style=\"display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:80%\"><\/p><p><strong>Latex Allergy and Flu Vaccine<\/strong><br>If you have a latex allergy, check with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine. Latex could be in the flu vaccine vials or the syringes used to give the flu shot.<\/p><p><strong>Severe Allergic Reactions<\/strong><br>Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) after the flu vaccine are serious but rare.<\/p><p style=\"text-align:center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=101&\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Avoid the Flu\">Download, Print, Share This Guide<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=101&\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Avoid the Flu\"><img alt=\"Flu vaccine handout\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-and-flu-prevention-handout-thumb.png\" style=\"text-align:center\"><\/a><\/p><p><small><a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafa.org\/page\/medical-scientific-council.aspx\" title=\"Medical Science Council\">Medical Review<\/a> April 2021 by Sarah Goff, MD, PhD, and October 2021 by David Stukus, MD<\/small><\/p><p><small><strong>References<\/strong><br>1. Flu and People with Asthma | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC. (2019). Cdc.gov. Retrieved <\/small><span style=\"font-size:10.8333px\">October 14, 2021<\/span><small>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/asthma\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/asthma\/index.htm<\/a><br>2. Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved <\/small><span style=\"font-size:10.8333px\">October 14, 2021<\/span><small>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/consumer\/vaccinations.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/consumer\/vaccinations.htm<\/a><br>3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 22). Flu vaccine and people with egg allergies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/egg-allergies.htm#recommendations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevent\/egg-allergies.htm#recommendations<\/a>.<br>4. Greenhawt, M., Turner, P. J., & Kelso, J. M. (2018). Administration of influenza vaccines to egg allergic recipients: A practice parameter update 2017. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 120(1), 49\u201352. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.anai.2017.10.020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.anai.2017.10.020<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div><p>[\/et_pb_text] [\/et_pb_column] [et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"6%||||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aSBUDSqXUks&list=PLrLBy23tjd-J7OzSmi6pn1nssfDcCsHob&index=11\" admin_label=\"YouTube Video\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_button button_url=\"\/asthma-allergy-research\/asthma-research\/\" button_text=\"Asthma Research\" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Asthma Research Button\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_use_icon=\"off\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:100%;\" global_module=\"613\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=\"\/asthma-allergy-research\/allergy-research\/\" button_text=\"Allergy Research\" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Allergy Research Button\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_bg_color=\"#008c99\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:100%;\" global_module=\"598\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" button_text__hover_enabled=\"off|desktop\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Support Our Work Blurb\" module_class=\"sidebar-blurb\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#505050\" text_font_size=\"16px\" text_line_height=\"1.5em\" link_font=\"|600||on|||||\" link_text_align=\"left\" link_text_color=\"#692d87\" link_font_size=\"16px\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_align=\"left\" header_4_text_color=\"#692d87\" header_4_font_size=\"20px\" background_image=\"2725\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" global_module=\"601\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p><h4>Support Our Work<\/h4><p>Over the past 15 years, there have been moderate advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma.<\/p><p><a href=\"\/get-involved\/make-a-donation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Donate Today ><\/a><\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-14105","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.5 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | AAFA.org<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"RSV is a respiratory virus that is the leading cause of pneumonia and airway swelling in children in the U.S. younger than 1 year of age.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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