(WTXL) — It's the peak of flu season, meaning people are likely coughing and sneezing around you. If you happen to be sick too, make sure to stay away from babies.
Doctors say Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that may seem like an everyday cold.
Anyone can get it, but the CDC says infants, young children, adults with compromised immune systems and older adults (especially those with underlying heart or lung disease) are most at risk.
RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get infected if you get droplets from the cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth, or if you touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands.
Additionally, it can spread through direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV.
Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite or consumption of liquids
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
Here are some precautions the CDC says you can take now:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Try not to touch your face with unwashed hands
- Cover your mouth when you have to sneeze or cough
- Stay home when you're sick
