Protection against RSV
What are the benefits of disinfection measures?
November 12, 2025 – 16:58Reading time: 2 minutes
Respiratory infections caused by the RS virus increase in autumn and winter. Find out how disinfection measures can reduce the risk of infection.
RS virus (RSV, respiratory syncytial virus) causes infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, especially in winter. This disease is often severe, especially in infants, young children and the elderly. This virus is mainly transmitted from person to person through droplets, for example when sneezing or coughing.
Transmission can also occur indirectly through hands, objects or surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions containing the virus. Depending on the surface, the disease can remain infectious for different periods of time: on hands for about 20 minutes, on tissues and cotton gowns for about 45 minutes, on plastic surfaces or disposable gloves for up to several hours. In one study, the RS virus remained detectable on stainless steel surfaces for up to seven days, although transmission rates decreased over time.
Therefore, consistent and regular hygiene measures play an important role, especially in community facilities and clinics, to prevent the transmission of pathogens as much as possible.
If hygiene and disinfection measures are implemented properly, they can effectively reduce the risk of RSV infection.
The following steps are highly recommended:
The RS virus is an enveloped virus. Alcohol-based hand and surface disinfectants labeled “limited virucidal” can address this. Agents with a broader range of action labeled “limited virucidal PLUS” or “virucidal” may also be used. In principle, an alcohol content of 30 percent or more is enough to make the RS virus harmless, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
It is important to pay attention to the amount of product recommended by the manufacturer and the exposure time specified. About 30 seconds is often enough to disinfect your hands. However, to disinfect a surface, they often have to work over a longer period of time – so simply wetting the surface and wiping it off immediately may not be enough.
In laboratory tests, gargling for 30 seconds with a commercially available mouthwash was able to temporarily reduce the viral load in the mouth and throat. This will also reduce the risk of getting sick after contact with an infected person. However, how well these results apply to everyday life and how long these protective effects last has not been sufficiently proven.
