RSV prevention in schools and daycares: What parents should ask
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on November 4th, 2025.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that mostly affects children and older or immune-compromised adults in the fall and winter months. Children under 12 months old are most at risk for serious complications, but since RSV is highly contagious, it can spread rapidly in school and daycare settings.
So, if your child is in daycare or school, what do you need to know about RSV prevention? What steps and procedures should be in place to keep the kids healthy during RSV season?
What is RSV, and how does it spread?
RSV is a virus that impacts the upper and lower respiratory system. One of the virus’s main characteristics is that the cells of the lungs become clustered during the infection. The word “syncytial” means cluster in Greek.
RSV is one of the most common viruses in the world. For most older children and healthy adults, it causes mild cold-like symptoms. But it can cause severe complications in children 12 months and younger due to their immature immune systems and narrow airways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis or pneumonia in this age group.
Most children will get RSV at least once before the age of two. The majority are exposed to RSV in school or daycare due to the proximity of these situations.
RSV spreads through direct contact with someone infected with the virus. Infection occurs when virus droplets get in your mouth, nose or eyes from people coughing or sneezing. Most people can be contagious a few days before they show symptoms, and typically remain contagious for three to eight days.
RSV can survive on hard surfaces for several hours, which means you can also get it from touching infected surfaces.
How to prevent RSV at home and in the community
Preventing RSV in schools is similar to steps you might take to prevent other respiratory illnesses, particularly during the winter months. A few ways to prevent RSV may include:
- Avoiding close contact with people who have RSV.
- Avoiding touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
- Avoiding sneezing or coughing into your hands.
- Avoid sharing cups or utensils.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
- Covering your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Keeping the children home from school or daycare if they are sick.
- Staying up-to-date on any recommended vaccines.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water.
- Using hand sanitizer if washing is not possible.
While you can’t always prevent infection, staying healthy during the fall and winter is the best way to support your immune system if you get sick.
Key questions about RSV prevention for your child’s school or daycare
If you are concerned about your children getting respiratory illnesses like RSV in daycare and school, here are a few questions to ask administrators:
- Are children taught to cover their coughs and sneezes?
- Are parents notified if there is a case of RSV in the school?
- Are toys and surfaces disinfected regularly?
- How do you manage outbreaks of RSV or other viruses?
- How often do staff and children wash their hands?
- What is the sick policy for children and staff?
- What other hygiene practices are in place?
- When does a child get sent home if ill?
Open communication about what is happening at the school and illness protocols is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe this cold and flu season.
When your child needs medical care for RSV
If a child is experiencing severe symptoms from RSV, they may need medical attention. RSV is typically diagnosed with a nasal swab, but there is no specific cure if they do receive a diagnosis.
Our caring providers can help provide treatments to manage symptoms, such as oxygen supplementation and medications for pain and fever. Visit any urgent care location to get started or save your spot online. We are here to help the entire family feel better this RSV season.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about RSV.
What is the difference between RSV and a common cold?
The common cold and RSV are caused by different viruses, although the symptoms may seem similar, especially in healthy adults. But RSV can cause severe symptoms in younger children.
How long is a child with RSV contagious?
Most people are contagious with RSV for the first three to eight days. But they could be contagious a few days before they show any symptoms.
Can you get RSV more than once?
Yes, you can get RSV more than once because immunity is not long-lasting.
What is the treatment for RSV?
There’s no specific treatment for RSV; instead, the focus is on relieving symptoms with rest, fluids and fever reducers. Some severe cases may require oxygen treatments or hospitalization.
When should I bring my child to an urgent care center for RSV?
Take your child to urgent care if they have a fever that lasts longer than 3-4 days, trouble breathing, are wheezing, have bluish lips or fingernails or show signs of dehydration like dry mouth or fewer wet diapers.
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