Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory illness that affects people of all ages but can be especially concerning for infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Many people associate RSV with fever, but not everyone who has RSV develops a temperature. This often raises an important question: Is RSV contagious without fever? The answer is yes, RSV can be contagious even if a person does not have a fever. Understanding how RSV spreads and recognizing symptoms beyond fever can help protect yourself and others.
For same-day RSV testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. Our medical providers are available 7 days a week to support your health and wellness. Simply walk-in today or plan your visit in advance below.
How RSV Spreads
RSV is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes closely around others. The virus can also survive on hard surfaces for several hours, making it easy to pick up by touching contaminated objects such as doorknobs, toys, or countertops and then touching the face. People with RSV are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, but infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals may spread the virus for longer.
Can You Have RSV Without a Fever?
Yes. Fever is a common symptom, but it is not always present during an RSV infection. Many individuals, especially adults, experience mild or cold-like symptoms without ever developing a fever. In infants and young children, RSV may also present without fever but with more noticeable breathing-related symptoms. Because fever is not always present, people may unknowingly spread RSV while continuing normal activities.
RSV symptoms can vary by age and health status. Even without fever, infected individuals may experience:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
In infants, symptoms may include irritability, poor feeding, rapid breathing, or pauses in breathing.
Why RSV is Still Contagious Without Fever
Fever is a sign of the body’s immune response, not a measure of how contagious someone is. RSV replicates in the respiratory tract, and the virus is shed through nasal secretions and saliva regardless of whether fever is present. This means coughing, sneezing, and even close contact can spread the virus even when symptoms seem mild.
RSV is usually most contagious during the first few days of symptoms, but people may continue to spread the virus as long as symptoms persist. Even mild congestion or cough can indicate ongoing contagiousness.
Get Walk-In RSV Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill
RSV is contagious even without fever. Mild symptoms like a runny nose or cough can still spread the virus to others, especially those at higher risk for complications. If symptoms worsen, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. Our team of board-certified medical professionals provide timely evaluation and treatment to help keep you and your loved ones safe. We always accept walk-in patients and our center is conveniently located at 1295 Colorado Blvd in Denver, CO. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about RSV testing, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 639-1000.
