Frequently asked questions

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. In adults it usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms; but in infants, young children and adults over 65 it can cause serious lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.1

Very common. Most children encounter RSV at least once before their second birthday.23 In 2019 there were around 33 million RSV-associated lower respiratory infections worldwide in children under five, about 3.6 million of which required hospital admission.6

In infants and young children the early symptoms are runny nose, eating or drinking less, and cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing. In babies under 6 months symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, reduced feeding and apnoea (pauses in breathing longer than 10 seconds). Many infants will not have a fever.5

Symptoms usually appear 4 to 6 days after infection, and they emerge in stages rather than all at once.4

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two.4 But the illness may not be severe at onset and can worsen a few days in, so continued monitoring matters.5

Seek medical attention without delay if your child has difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or has worsening symptoms.45 In babies under 6 months, pauses in breathing longer than 10 seconds (apnoea) also require urgent assessment.5

Through coughs and sneezes near you, through droplets reaching your eyes, nose or mouth, through direct contact with someone who has RSV (such as kissing their face), or by touching a contaminated surface and then your face before washing your hands.3

Usually 3 to 8 days, and people may become contagious a day or two before symptoms start. Some infants and immunocompromised people can keep shedding the virus for 4 weeks or longer after symptoms stop.3

There is no approved specific antiviral treatment for RSV infection, and antiviral medication is not routinely recommended. Management rests on supportive care: adequate oxygenation, fluids and, where needed, mechanical ventilation.9104

Manage fever and pain, and ensure adequate fluid intake — preventing dehydration is the priority. Never give aspirin to children. Always ask your healthcare provider about non-prescription medicines; some contain ingredients unsuitable for children.4

Yes. A considerable share of severe RSV disease and hospital admission occurs in term infants previously considered healthy.18 In a multicentre study across paediatric intensive care units in Türkiye, 70.6% of children admitted with RSV had no underlying chronic condition.8

There are two distinct approaches to protecting infants: a maternal RSV vaccine given in pregnancy, and a long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) given directly to the infant. Palivizumab is also used in high-risk infants.131122 Ask your doctor about current approval and reimbursement status in Türkiye.

No. Nirsevimab is not a vaccine but a long-acting monoclonal antibody used within an immunisation strategy. It gives the baby ready-made antibodies and provides passive protection through the RSV season. Communicating this distinction clearly is part of building trust.23

Phase 3 trials reported reductions in hospital admission of 62.1% (MELODY) and 83.2% (HARMONIE).1112 In real-world data, admissions fell by 85.9% in the first season in Galicia, Spain, and by 76.4% overall with an 84.9% fall in intensive care admissions under Chile’s national programme.1415 A single dose protects for roughly 5–6 months, that is one RSV season.

Between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. Antibodies formed in the mother cross the placenta and protect the baby in its first months. In the MATISSE trial, efficacy against severe lower respiratory illness was 81.8% in the first three months after birth and 69.4% over six months.13

Existing surveillance data and clinician observation indicate the season rises in October–November, peaks in December–February and ends in March–April. Türkiye does not yet have a sufficiently mature national systematic surveillance infrastructure specific to RSV.21

Yes. The immune response to RSV does not confer complete or lasting protection, so people can be infected repeatedly throughout life.73

No, they are different viruses — but they can peak in the same weeks. That overlap complicates diagnostic distinction, can delay appropriate clinical management decisions and lands on the health system as cumulative pressure.16

Diagnosis rests on clinical suspicion and laboratory confirmation. Current practice uses rapid antigen tests and PCR (nucleic acid amplification) tests.10

The relationship between early-life RSV disease and long-term respiratory health is an active area of scientific study.17 In the population-based study in Galicia, Spain, universal nirsevimab delivery was followed by an approximately 30% fall in primary care visits — including bronchitis, bronchiolitis, wheeze and asthma consultations.14

RSV deaths are largely preventable, but they do occur. In 2019 there were approximately 101,400 deaths worldwide from RSV-associated lower respiratory infection in children under five, 97% of them in low- and middle-income countries.6 Data from Türkiye report RSV-associated mortality of 1.2% in neonatal intensive care20, 1.1% in a retrospective study of 835 paediatric patients19, and 5.4% among cases followed in paediatric intensive care.8

Children are often exposed to RSV outside the home — at school or childcare — and can bring it back to the household.3 Practise good hygiene, clean frequently touched surfaces, bring in fresh air and keep unwell family members away from the baby.3 These measures reduce risk but do not eliminate it; discuss preventive options with your doctor.