RSV and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Diseases and conditionsInfectious diseases

Last updated: July 16, 2026

Medically reviewed by: NKF Patient Education Team

RSV is a common virus that affects breathing. For some people with kidney disease, RSV can become serious. Learn who is at higher risk, what symptoms to watch for, when to call your doctor, and how to help protect yourself.

Table of Contents

About RSV and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Respiratory syncytial virus, pronounced RES-puh-ruh-tor-ee sin-SISH-uhl VY-rus, is also called RSV.

RSV is a common virus. It affects the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. RSV often feels like a cold. Most people get better at home in 1 to 2 weeks. But RSV can be serious for some people. It can cause trouble breathing, pneumonia (an infection in the lungs) or a hospital stay.

Some people with kidney disease may have a higher chance of serious RSV illness. This includes people who:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the RSV vaccine is recommended for you.

Signs and Symptoms of RSV

RSV symptoms often start 4 to 6 days after you are exposed to the virus. Symptoms may not happen all at once. They may appear slowly over a few days.

Symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose

  • Stuffy nose

  • Cough

  • Sneezing

  • Sore throat

  • Fever

  • Wheezing

  • Headache

  • Feeling very tired

  • Eating less than usual

Some symptoms need urgent care. Call your doctor right away or get emergency care if you have:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Blue or gray lips, face, or fingernails
  • Confusion
  • Signs of dehydration, such as very little urine, dizziness, or a very dry mouth
  • Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better

Causes of RSV

RSV is caused by a virus. It spreads from person to person.

RSV can spread when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. Tiny drops from the cough or sneeze can get into your eyes, nose, or mouth.

You can also get RSV by touching something that has the virus on it. This may include a doorknob, phone, counter, or handrail. The virus can enter your body if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.

RSV often spreads in the fall and winter. The timing can be different depending on where you live.

Types of RSV

There are two main types of RSV. They are called RSV-A and RSV-B.

Both types can cause illness. Most people do not need to know which type they have. Symptoms and treatment are usually the same.

Health Problems RSV Can Cause

RSV can move deeper into the lungs. This can cause more serious illness.

Possible complications include:

  • Pneumonia, which is an infection in the lungs

  • Bronchiolitis, which is swelling in the small airways of the lungs

  • Worse symptoms from asthma, COPD, heart failure, or other long-term conditions

  • Low oxygen levels

  • Dehydration from fever, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or not drinking enough fluids

  • A hospital stay

For people with CKD, a serious infection can make other health issues harder to manage. This may include fluid balance, blood pressure, diabetes, and dialysis care.

A serious illness may also affect kidney function. This is more likely if you become dehydrated or need hospital care.

Diagnosis

A doctor may diagnose RSV based on your symptoms, health history, and a physical exam.  RSV, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses can have similar symptoms. Testing may be needed to find out which virus is causing your illness.

Tests

Tests may include:

  • A nasal swab to check for RSV

  • A test that checks for RSV, flu, and COVID-19 at the same time

  • Pulse oximetry, a finger clip test to check oxygen in your blood

  • A chest X-ray if your doctor is worried about pneumonia or another lung problem

  • Blood tests, especially if you have CKD, are on dialysis, or are being checked in a hospital

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Have CKD

  • Are on dialysis

  • Have had a kidney transplant

  • Take medicines that weaken your immune system

This can help your doctor decide what tests and care you may need.

Tell your doctor if you have CKD, are on dialysis, have had a transplant, or take medicines that weaken your immune system. This can help them decide what tests and care you may need.

Treatment of RSV

Most RSV infections go away on their own. For most people, there is no routine medicine that treats RSV itself.

Treatment usually focuses on:

  • Helping symptoms

  • Getting enough fluids, if fluids are safe for you

  • Resting

  • Watching for signs that the illness is getting worse

If RSV becomes severe, hospital care may be needed. Care may include oxygen, IV fluids, breathing support, or other treatments.

If you have CKD, are on dialysis, or have a kidney transplant, contact your healthcare team early if symptoms get worse. Also call if you are not sure how to treat symptoms safely.

Medications

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicines. This includes medicines for cough, cold, fever, or pain.

Some medicines may not be safe for people with CKD, high blood pressure, a kidney transplant, or other health conditions.

Important safety reminders:

  • Avoid NSAIDs unless your doctor says they are safe for you. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples include ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Some decongestants or runny nose medicine can raise blood pressure. They may also interact with other medicines. Ask before using them.
  • If you have a kidney transplant, call your transplant team before taking any new medicine. This includes over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal products.
  • Ask your doctor which fever or pain medicine is safest for you. Also ask what dose you should take.

Eating or Drinking

When you are sick, it may be harder to eat and drink normally. Try to follow your kidney-friendly eating plan as much as you can.

If you have been told to limit fluids, ask your kidney care team what to do while you are sick. Also ask what to do if you need to limit sodium, potassium, phosphorus, or protein.

Call your doctor if you:

  • Cannot keep fluids down

  • Are drinking much less than usual

  • Are eating much less than usual

  • Have vomiting or diarrhea

  • Are worried about dehydration

If you are on dialysis, ask your dialysis team which symptoms should be reported right away.

Activity 

Rest while you are sick. Avoid hard activity if you have:

  • Fever

  • Chest discomfort

  • Shortness of breath

  • Dizziness

  • Symptoms that are getting worse

As you recover, return to normal activity slowly. Ask your doctor when it is safe to exercise again if you had severe symptoms or were in the hospital.

Ways to prevent RSV

There are steps you can take to lower your risk of RSV and other respiratory infections.

RSV Vaccine

The RSV vaccine helps protect against serious RSV illness and hospital stays.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also called CDC, recommends one dose of RSV vaccine for:

  • All adults age 75 and older

  • Adults ages 50 to 74 who have a higher risk of severe RSV illness

Adults ages 50 to 74 may have a higher risk if they have certain health conditions. This includes:

  • Kidney failure, whether or not you are on dialysis

  • Diabetes with CKD or other organ damage

  • A weakened immune system

  • A kidney transplant

  • Medicines that weaken the immune system

The RSV vaccine is usually one dose. It is not like the flu shot, which people get every year. If you already had an RSV vaccine, you usually do not need another dose right now. If you have not had the RSV vaccine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should get it.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the RSV vaccine is recommended for you.

Everyday prevention 

Everyday steps can also help lower your risk:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick when possible
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces
  • Stay home when you are sick, when possible
  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor places if respiratory viruses are spreading or if your doctor recommends it

Preparing for your appointment

Before your appointment, write down:

  • Your symptoms

  • When symptoms started

  • Whether symptoms are getting better or worse

  • Any fever

  • Any breathing problems

  • Any vomiting or diarrhea

  • Any medicines you took

Bring a list of your medicines. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Have CKD
  • Are on dialysis
  • Have had a kidney transplant
  • Take medicines that weaken your immune system

Questions to ask

  • Am I at higher risk for severe RSV because of my kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, age, or other health conditions?
  • Is RSV vaccination recommended for me?
  • Have I already received an RSV vaccine? If yes, do I need another dose?
  • When is the best time for me to get the RSV vaccine?
  • Can I get the RSV vaccine at the same visit as my flu, COVID-19, or pneumococcal vaccine?
  • Which cold, cough, fever, or pain medicines are safe for me to take?
  • Are there any medicines I should avoid because of CKD, dialysis, transplant medicines, blood pressure, or diabetes?
  • What symptoms mean I should call you, go to urgent care, or go to the emergency room?
  • If I am on dialysis, should I change my dialysis schedule if I am sick?
  • If I have a transplant, should I call my transplant team if I develop RSV symptoms?

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This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.
© 2026 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.