RSV is transmitted by exposure to large particle droplets or contaminated surfaces. Which statement is true regarding RSV?

RSV is transmitted by exposure to large particle droplets or contaminated surfaces. Which statement is true regarding RSV?

• A. The virus can survive several hours on environmental surfaces.
• B. It cannot survive on surfaces, only through direct contact.
• C. Disinfection is not effective against RSV.
• D. RSV only spreads via direct contact with skin

Answer: (A)

RSV can remain viable on environmental surfaces for several hours, so touching contaminated objects and then touching the face can transmit the virus even without direct contact with an infected person. This highlights why rigorous hand hygiene and thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in neonatal units are essential to reduce spread. Disinfection is effective against RSV because standard hospital disinfectants can inactivate the virus. RSV also spreads through close contact and respiratory droplets, not solely by direct skin contact, so limiting transmission requires addressing both direct contact and contaminated surfaces.

RSV can remain viable on environmental surfaces for several hours, so touching contaminated objects and then touching the face can transmit the virus even without direct contact with an infected person. This highlights why rigorous hand hygiene and thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in neonatal units are essential to reduce spread. Disinfection is effective against RSV because standard hospital disinfectants can inactivate the virus. RSV also spreads through close contact and respiratory droplets, not solely by direct skin contact, so limiting transmission requires addressing both direct contact and contaminated surfaces.