What is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) isolation time frame in a nursing home?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 6, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

From the Research

RSV Isolation Time Frame in Nursing Homes

  • The exact time frame for RSV isolation in nursing homes is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • However, a study on the risk of transmission and viral shedding from the time of infection for RSV in households found that most transmission events occurred within approximately 7 days of household exposure, including potential presymptomatic transmissions 4.
  • Another study on RSV outbreak in a long-term care facility detected using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction reported an outbreak of RSV in a 120-bed long-term care facility, where 22 residents developed symptoms of a respiratory tract infection between January 29,2008, and February 26,2008, but did not provide a specific isolation time frame 2.
  • A study on the evidence of RSV spread by aerosol suggested that RSV can spread through aerosolized particles, which can remain airborne for a significant length of time and be inhaled and deposited throughout the respiratory tract, but did not provide a specific isolation time frame 3.
  • A study on a clinically useful method for the isolation of RSV reported a simple method for the isolation of RSV, which resulted in a high frequency of recovery of virus, but did not provide a specific isolation time frame for nursing homes 5.
  • Annual attack rates in the USA range from 2 to 10% in community-dwelling older adults and 5-10% in older adults living in congregate settings, such as nursing homes 1.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.