RSV: How is RSV spread? How long are individuals contagious?
RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets from a cough or sneeze enter your eyes, nose or mouth. RSV can also spread if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your face before washing your hands. RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces such as tables and crib rails. It typically lives on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands for shorter amounts of time. In addition, RSV spreads through direct contact with the virus, such as kissing the face of a child with RSV.
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms.
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