On this page
Short answer What RSV looks like in adults Going to class Why it matters in a dorm What helps Asthma and lung conditions When to get help Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesRSV in a healthy young adult often looks like a cold, with a runny nose, cough and mild fever, so you can usually go to class once you feel well and have no fever.
Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 days after exposure. People with asthma or other lung conditions can get sicker and should get checked early.
What RSV looks like in adults
- Runny nose and congestion
- Cough and sore throat
- Low fever, headache or tiredness
- Wheezing, especially in people with asthma
The CDC says RSV symptoms are not specific, so it is hard to tell from a cold, flu or COVID without a test.
Going to class
- No fever and you feel okay: usually fine
- Fever or heavy cough: stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without medicine
- Cover coughs, wash hands and keep distance, especially from anyone at higher risk
Why it matters in a dorm
RSV spreads through coughs and sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces. It is mild for most healthy young people but can be dangerous to infants, older adults and people with lung disease. If you live with or see someone in those groups, take extra care. See how long RSV is contagious.
What helps
- Fluids and rest
- A humidifier or steamy shower
- Over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Honey in warm drinks for adult cough
Antibiotics do not work on RSV because it is a virus.
Asthma and lung conditions
If you have asthma, RSV can trigger an attack. Keep your inhaler handy and follow your action plan. See a clinician early if wheezing or cough gets worse.
When to get help
Go to urgent care or the ER for trouble breathing, wheezing that does not ease with your inhaler, a blue tint to lips, chest pain or a high fever. Call 911 if you cannot catch your breath.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
Is it RSV or the flu? Hard to tell without a test. See flu vs RSV.
Is there an RSV vaccine for college students? Current vaccines target older adults and some higher-risk groups. Ask a clinician.
Can adults get RSV? Yes. See can adults get RSV.
When is RSV season? Fall through spring in much of the US. See RSV season.
Do I need a test? A test can help if you live with someone at higher risk.
Common questions
Can I go to class with RSV?
RSV in a healthy young adult often looks like a cold, with a runny nose, cough and mild fever, so you can usually go to class once you feel well and have no fever. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 days after exposure. People with asthma or other lung conditions can get sicker and should get checked early.
Is it RSV or the flu?
Hard to tell without a test. See flu vs RSV.
Is there an RSV vaccine for college students?
Current vaccines target older adults and some higher-risk groups. Ask a clinician.
Can adults get RSV?
Yes. See can adults get RSV.
When is RSV season?
Fall through spring in much of the US. See RSV season.
Do I need a test?
A test can help if you live with someone at higher risk.