What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common‚ contagious virus causing infections in the lungs and respiratory tract. It typically leads to mild cold-like symptoms‚ but can be serious‚ especially for infants and older adults.

RSV Symptoms and Complications

RSV symptoms often mimic those of a common cold and typically appear in stages‚ not all at once; Initial symptoms can include a runny nose‚ decreased appetite‚ coughing‚ sneezing‚ and fever. In infants‚ irritability and reduced activity levels might also be observed.

As the infection progresses‚ symptoms may worsen. Coughing can become more severe‚ and wheezing (a whistling sound during breathing) might develop. Breathing can become labored and faster than normal‚ indicating respiratory distress. In infants‚ this can manifest as flaring of the nostrils and the skin between the ribs or around the neck pulling inward with each breath.

While most individuals recover from RSV within a week or two‚ some‚ especially infants and older adults‚ can develop serious complications. Bronchiolitis‚ an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs‚ is a common complication‚ especially in infants under one year old. RSV can also lead to pneumonia‚ an infection of the lungs. In severe cases‚ hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation to support breathing.

Premature babies‚ infants with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease‚ and children with weakened immune systems are at particularly high risk for severe RSV infections and complications. Older adults and those with underlying heart or lung conditions are also more vulnerable to serious illness.

How RSV Spreads and Prevention Tips

RSV spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person. This can occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes‚ releasing respiratory droplets into the air. These droplets can land in your eyes‚ nose‚ or mouth‚ or you can become infected by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your face.

RSV can live on surfaces for several hours‚ increasing the risk of transmission. Sharing contaminated items like toys‚ cups‚ and utensils can also spread the virus. The virus can remain contagious for up to eight days‚ even after symptoms begin to improve;

Preventing RSV infection involves practicing good hygiene. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial. If soap and water aren’t available‚ use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face‚ especially your eyes‚ nose‚ and mouth‚ with unwashed hands. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces‚ like doorknobs and countertops‚ can also help reduce the spread of the virus.

Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. If you’re sick‚ stay home to avoid infecting others. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals can also limit your risk of exposure.

RSV Treatment and When to Seek Medical Attention

There’s no specific antiviral treatment for RSV‚ so treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. This includes ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration‚ using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for adults and children‚ following appropriate dosage guidelines)‚ and using a cool-mist humidifier or saline nasal drops to help clear nasal congestion.

For infants experiencing difficulty breathing‚ nasal suctioning can help remove mucus and improve airflow. It’s important to monitor symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen or if you have concerns.

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experiences difficulty breathing‚ including rapid breathing‚ wheezing‚ or a bluish tint to the skin around the lips and fingernails (cyanosis). High fever‚ persistent cough‚ and dehydration (indicated by decreased urination‚ dry mouth‚ and lethargy) also warrant medical evaluation.

In severe cases‚ hospitalization may be necessary to provide supplemental oxygen‚ intravenous fluids‚ or mechanical ventilation. While most people recover fully from RSV within a week or two‚ some may experience lingering respiratory issues like wheezing for several weeks following the infection. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is recommended‚ especially for infants and those with underlying health conditions.