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Communicable Diseases Agency

Respiratory syncytial virus

RSV infection is a common cause of acute respiratory infection that affects individuals of all ages.

Last updated 7 November 2025

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

RSV infection is a common cause of acute respiratory infection that affects individuals of all ages. RSV is endemic in Singapore, with cases occurring year-round.

How is RSV transmitted?

RSV is primarily transmitted through inhalation of infectious respiratory particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces such as when a person touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

The incubation period is typically 4 to 6 days, ranging from 2 to 8 days.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Clinical manifestations of RSV range from mild to severe illness.

Common symptoms include:

  • Cough

  • Sneezing

  • Runny nose

  • Fever

RSV infection can lead to complications, particularly pneumonia (lung infection) and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs) in infants and older adults. In severe cases, infants may show signs such as poor feeding, irritability and unusual tiredness, while breathing difficulties can progress to respiratory distress. Their skin or mouth will also develop a blue discolouration due to low oxygen levels in the body.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

  • Children below 6 months old and persons aged 60 years old or above

  • Children with congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease

  • Children or adults with conditions affecting the nerves and muscles (e.g. muscular dystrophy)

  • Premature infants

How is RSV treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV. Treatment focuses on managing and relieving the symptoms of the disease. Patients are also treated supportively in the event of breathing difficulty, with oxygen supplementation or other interventions to help with complication of respiratory failure.

How to prevent RSV?

Immunisation is an effective preventive measure for RSV. For more information on the recommendations for RSV immunisation, please consult your doctor.

Other preventive measures:

  • Practise good personal hygiene at all times.

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing.

  • Avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands after coughing or sneezing.

  • Avoid sharing of food/drinks or eating utensils.

  • Wear a mask and seeking medical attention promptly when unwell.

Please refer to Health advice for travellers for additional precautions to take when travelling.