If it feels like everyone around you is sick right now, you’re not imagining it. RSV cases are climbing across Washington, Idaho, and the rest of the nation—and this season, it’s not just infants and toddlers who are getting hit hard.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, has long been known as a threat to infants. But newer data show it’s increasingly landing older kids, adults, and seniors in the hospital, too. That changes the conversation about who needs to take this virus seriously.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
What is RSV, exactly?
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the airways and lungs. It’s so common that nearly all children will have had RSV at least once by their second birthday—and anyone can catch it again throughout their life.
For most healthy kids and adults, RSV feels a lot like a cold. But for certain groups, it can quickly become something more serious: bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) and pneumonia are the two most common complications in young children, according to the CDC.
“RSV is a common virus that causes acute respiratory tract illness in all ages,” says Dr. Justin Bowles, Medical Director for MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care. “Almost all children are infected by two years of age, and reinfection can happen throughout life.”
Is RSV really getting worse in Washington and Idaho?
Yes—and the data backs it up. The Washington State Department of Health tracks RSV year-round through its Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard, monitoring emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and wastewater surveillance across the state.
Nationally, the CDC reported that as of mid-December 2025, RSV was growing in 32 states. By mid-March 2026, activity was tapering off in most regions—but RSV continues to circulate, and Washington is not in the clear yet.
Washington State is also part of the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, which detects RSV in the community before people even visit a doctor. It’s an early warning system—and it’s been useful in tracking just how widespread this season’s activity has been.
Wait—I thought RSV was just an infant thing?
While RSV is most prevalent in infants and toddlers, it can still impact older kids and adults. For older adults, RSV can cause serious complications—including pneumonia and respiratory failure—especially in those living with heart disease, lung conditions, diabetes, or weakened immune systems. And for school-age kids, it can still mean missed school, lingering coughs, and in some cases, a trip to urgent care.
Who is most at risk for serious illness from RSV?
RSV can affect anyone, but the following groups are most likely to develop severe symptoms:
- Premature infants
- Babies under 6 months old
- Infants with congenital heart or lung disease
- Children and adults with weakened immune systems
- Children who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus
- Adults 65 and older
- Adults with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disease
What does RSV look like in infants and young children?
Symptoms typically develop in stages and can include:
- Runny nose
- Coughing and sneezing
- Fever above 100°F
- Decreased appetite
In very young infants, the signs can be subtle:
- Fussiness or irritability
- Less activity than usual
- Poor feeding
- Pauses in breathing
If your baby has any of these, take them seriously—especially in the first few months of life. And watch for signs that things are getting worse (more on that below).
What does RSV look like in older kids and adults?
For school-age kids and most adults, RSV often looks and feels just like a cold:
- Runny nose and congestion
- Sore throat
- Mild headache
- Low-grade fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
For older adults and those with underlying health conditions, symptoms can become more serious—think high fever, wheezing, labored breathing, or a bluish tint to the lips or fingernails. If that’s happening, don’t wait.
When should you see a provider—and when should you go to the ER?
Most RSV cases resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. But it’s worth getting checked out if:
- Symptoms worsen or don’t improve after 7 days
- Your child is struggling to breathe or producing fewer wet diapers than usual
- Your infant is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher
- Your child (of any age) has a fever above 104°F
Head to the ER right away if anyone—child or adult—shows:
- Difficulty breathing
- A blue tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails
- High fever that isn’t responding to medication
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, very few wet diapers)
- Confusion or unusual unresponsiveness
When in doubt, trust your gut. Parents know their kids—and you know yourself. If something seems off, get it checked.
How do you treat RSV at home?
There’s no specific cure for RSV, but there’s plenty you can do to help your little one (or yourself) feel better:
- For kids older than 6 months, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can ease discomfort. Skip the aspirin—it’s linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
- These help clear tiny nasal passages. Follow with a bulb syringe for gentle suctioning.
- Adding moisture to the air soothes dry airways and helps break up mucus.
- Keeping everyone well-hydrated prevents dehydration and helps the body fight back.
One important caution: resist the urge to reach for OTC cold medications. Many are not recommended for young children, and some can make things worse. When in doubt, ask a provider.
How can you protect your family from RSV this season?
Good news: the habits that helped us survive COVID still work here. A few simple steps go a long way:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve—not your hands.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with anyone who’s under the weather.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces—toys, doorknobs, phones.
- Don’t share bottles, cups, or utensils.
- Stay home (and keep kids home) when sick.
- Ask your OB-GYN about RSV vaccination if you’re pregnant.
- Ask your pediatrician about monoclonal antibody protection for your newborn or infant.
- Talk to your provider about the RSV vaccine if you’re 50+ with risk factors—or 75 and older.
Indigo Urgent Care can help
If your child—or anyone in your family—has symptoms that worry you, Indigo makes it easy to get checked out quickly. No week-long waits. No guesswork.
Walk into any of our neighborhood clinics across Washington and Idaho, or book online in advance. When getting to a clinic isn’t convenient, Indigo Virtual Care puts a provider face-to-face with you from wherever you are. We’re here every day from 8 am to 8 pm, including weekends and holidays.
Go to your nearest ER if you or your child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever
- Blue tint to the skin (especially lips and fingernails)
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, decreased wet diapers)
- Confusion
