Overview
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infects the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children are infected by the age of two. Adults can be infected by the respiratory syncytial virus (sin-SISH-ul).RSV symptoms are typically mild in adults and older, healthy children and mimic the common cold. Self-care measures are usually sufficient to alleviate any discomfort.
RSV infection can be fatal in some people, including babies 12 months and younger (infants), especially premature infants, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, and anyone with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).
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In most cases, signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection appear four to six days after virus exposure. In adults and older children, RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. These could include:
- Nose congestion or runny nose
- Coughing that is dry
- Fever of low intensity
- Sneezing Swelling Headache
- Fever
- Coughing fits
- Wheezing is a high-pitched sound made when breathing out (exhaling)
- Rapid or difficult breathing — the individual may prefer to sit up rather than lie down.
- Skin that is bluish due to a lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
- Breathing should be short, shallow, and rapid.
- Breathing difficulties — chest muscles and skin pull inward with each breath
- Cough
- Inadequate nutrition
- Tiredness that is unusual (lethargy)
- Irritability
Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, though some may experience intermittent wheezing. In premature infants or anyone with chronic heart or lung problems, a severe or life-threatening infection that necessitates hospitalisation is possible.
RSV and COVID-19
Because RSV and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are both respiratory viruses, some symptoms of RSV and COVID-19 may be similar. COVID-19 often causes mild symptoms in children, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Adults with COVID-19 may experience more severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing.
RSV may lower immunity and increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 in both children and adults. These infections could occur at the same time, exacerbating the severity of COVID-19 illness.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, your doctor may recommend that you be tested for COVID-19.
When should you go to the doctor?
Seek medical attention immediately if your child, or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection, has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or blue skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.
Causes
Respiratory syncytial virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. It spreads quickly through the air on infected respiratory droplets. You or your child may become infected if someone with RSV coughs or sneezes near you. Shaking hands, for example, can also spread the virus.
The virus may be survived for hours on solid surfaces like countertops, crib rails, and toys. After touching a contaminated object, touching your mouth, nose, or eyes increases your chances of contracting the virus.
An infected person is most contagious in their first week of infection. However, the virus can spread for up to four weeks after symptoms have subsided in infants and those with weakened immunity.
Risk elements
Majorly, Children could be infected with respiratory syncytial virus by the age of two, and possibility that they can be infected more than once. Children who attend child care centres or have school-age siblings are more likely to be exposed and reinfected.
RSV season (when outbreaks typically occur) lasts from the fall to the end of spring.
People who are at a higher risk of severe or even fatal RSV infections include:
- Infants, particularly premature infants or babies aged 6 months or less
- Children with inherited heart disease (congenital heart disease) or chronic lung disease
- Children and adults with weakened immune systems as a result of diseases like cancer or treatments like chemotherapy
- Children suffering from neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy
- Adults suffering from heart or lung disease
- Senior citizens, particularly those aged 65 and up
Complications
Respiratory syncytial virus complications include:
Hospitalization: A severe RSV infection may necessitate hospitalisation so that doctors can monitor and treat breathing problems as well as administer intravenous (IV) fluids.
Pneumonia: RSV is the most common cause of lung inflammation (pneumonia) or lung airway inflammation (bronchiolitis) in infants. When the virus spreads to the lower respiratory tract, these complications can occur. Lung inflammation can be deadly in infants, young children, elderly people, immunocompromised people, and people with chronic heart or lung disease.
Infection in the middle ear: A middle ear infection can occur if germs enter the space behind the eardrum (otitis media). It is common in infants and small children.
Asthma: Severe RSV in children may be linked to an increased risk of developing asthma later in life.
Infections that reoccur: After having RSV, you may become infected again. It is even possible that it will occur during the same RSV season. Symptoms, are typically mild, similar to a common cold. However, they can be dangerous in older people or those with chronic heart or lung disease.
Prevention
There is no respiratory syncytial virus vaccine available.. However, the following lifestyle habits can help prevent the spread of this infection:
Hands should be washed frequently: Teach your kids the value of hand washing.
Avoid being exposed: Under cough or sneeze, mouth and nose should be covered. Keep away your baby to anyone who has a fever or a cold.
Maintain a clean environment: Clean the kitchen and bathroom countertops, doorknobs, and handles. Throw away used tissues as soon as possible.
Drinking glasses should not be shared with others: Always use your own glass or disposable cups and Don’t use sick person catlery. Each person's cup should be labelled.
You should not smoke: Babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to contract RSV and experience more severe symptoms.If you must smoke, never do so in your home or car.
Regularly wash your toys: This is especially important when your child or a playmate is ill.
Medication for protection
Palivizumab (Synagis), administered as a shot (injection), can help protect certain infants and children aged 2 and under who are at high risk of serious RSV complications. Children in this age group who are at high risk include those who:
- Were born too soon
- Have chronic pulmonary disease
- Have specific heart defects
- Have a compromised immune system
Speak with your child's doctor to determine whether or not this medication would benefit your child and to learn more about it. This medication is not advised for use in healthy children or adults.
Scientists are still working on developing an RSV vaccine.
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only for educational purposes. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details. fittofitter.com does not claim responsibility for this information.
