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RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infects the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so widespread that most children are infected by the age of two. Adults can be infected by the respiratory syncytial virus.
RSV symptoms are often mild in adults and older, healthy children and mimic the common cold. Self-care procedures are typically sufficient to alleviate any discomfort.
RSV infection can be fatal in some people, including babies 12 months and younger (infants), especially preterm infants, older adults, those with heart and lung illness, and anybody with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RSV?
Signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection typically appear four to six days after virus exposure. RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and older children. These could include:
- Nose congestion or runny nose
- Dry cough
- Fever (low-grade)
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Headache
In extreme cases
RSV infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, resulting in pneumonia or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airway passages leading to the lungs). Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Fever
- Coughing fits
- Wheezing, which 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)
RSV has the greatest impact on infants. The following are signs and symptoms of severe RSV infection in infants:
- Breathing that is 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 hospitalization is possible.
COVID-19 and RSV
Because RSV and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are both respiratory viruses, some RSV and COVID-19 symptoms may be similar. COVID-19 frequently causes moderate symptoms in children, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Adults with COVID-19 may experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.
RSV may reduce immunity and raise the chance of contracting COVID-19 in both children and adults. And both infections can occur concurrently, exacerbating the severity of COVID-19 sickness.
If you are experiencing signs of a respiratory disease, your doctor may advise you to be tested for COVID-19.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF RSV?
The respiratory syncytial virus enters the body via the eyes, nose, or mouth. It quickly spreads through the air on infected respiratory droplets. If someone with RSV coughs or sneezes near you, you or your kid may become infected. The virus can also be transmitted by direct touch, such as shaking hands.
The virus can survive for hours on hard surfaces including worktops, crib rails, and toys. Handling your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a contaminated object increases your chances of contracting the virus.
During the first week or so following infection, an infected person is most contagious. However, in infants and those with poor immunity, the virus can continue to spread for up to four weeks after symptoms have subsided.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR RSV?
Most children will have been infected with respiratory syncytial virus by the age of two, but they can be infected more than once. Children who frequent child care facilities or have school-age siblings are at a higher risk of exposure and reinfection. RSV season (when outbreaks typically occur) lasts from the fall until 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 illness (congenital heart disease) or chronic lung disease
- Children and adults with impaired 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
- Old people, particularly those aged 65 and up
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus complications include:
- Hospitalization: A severe RSV infection may necessitate hospitalization so that doctors can monitor and treat breathing issues as well as administer intravenous (IV) fluids.
- Pneumonia: RSV is the most prevalent cause of lung inflammation (pneumonia) or lung airway inflammation (bronchiolitis) in babies. When the infection travels to the lower respiratory tract, certain problems can arise. Lung inflammation can be deadly in newborns, young children, elderly people, immunocompromised persons, and people with chronic heart or lung problems.
- Infection in the middle ear: A middle ear infection can occur if germs reach the area behind the eardrum (otitis media). This is especially common in newborns and young children.
- Asthma: Severe RSV in children may be linked to an increased risk of acquiring 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, on the other hand, are usually mild, resembling a regular cold. However, they can be dangerous in elderly persons or those with chronic heart or lung illness.
HOW IS RSV DIAGNOSED?
Based on the results of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur, your doctor may suspect respiratory syncytial virus. During the exam, the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs for wheezing or other abnormal sounds.
Laboratory and imaging testing are rarely required. They can, however, aid in the diagnosis of RSV complications and rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Among the possible tests are:
- Blood tests to determine white cell counts or to detect viruses, bacteria, and other germs
- Chest X-ray to look for lung inflammation
- Check for virus signs by swabbing secretions from the mouth or nose.
- Pulse oximetry, a painless skin monitor, used to detect low levels of oxygen in the blood.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR RSV?
Self-care measures to make your child more comfortable are commonly used in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (supportive care). However, if severe symptoms occur, hospitalization may be required.
Supportive care
To reduce fever, your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others). (Aspirin should never be given to a child.) Suctioning and nasal saline drops may help clear a stuffy nose. If you have a bacterial complication, such as bacterial pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Maintain your child's comfort as much as possible. Provide plenty of fluids and keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, little to no urine output, sunken eyes, and extreme fussiness or sleepiness.
Hospitalization
A hospital stay may be required if the RSV infection is severe. Hospital treatments may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Humidified oxygen
- In exceptional situations, a breathing machine (mechanical ventilation).
An inhaler (bronchodilator) or steroids have not been shown to be effective in the treatment of RSV infection.
HOME REMEDIES FOR RSV
Although you cannot lessen the duration of a respiratory syncytial virus infection, you can try to alleviate some indications and symptoms.
If your child has RSV, try to calm or divert him or her by cuddling, reading a book, or playing a quiet activity. Other suggestions for symptom relief include:
- Make moist air to breathe: Keep the room warm but not hot. A cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can wet the air and assist relieve congestion and coughing if the air is dry. Keep the humidifier clean to avoid the formation of bacteria and mould.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your child as usual. Keep a regular supply of chilled water by the bedside for older children and adults. Warm fluids, such as soup, may aid in the loosening of viscous secretions. Ice pops may also be calming.
- Try using saline nasal drops: Even for young children, over-the-counter (OTC) drops are a safe and efficient option to relieve congestion. Follow your doctor's advice and the product's instructions.
- Use OTC pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, and other OTC pain medicines) may help lower fever and relieve a sore throat. Consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for your child's age.
- Smoking should be avoided: Secondhand smoke can make symptoms worse.
HOW CAN RSV BE PREVENTED?
There is no vaccine available for respiratory syncytial virus. However, the following lifestyle changes can help reduce the spread of this infection:
- Hands should be washed frequently: Teach your kids the value of hand washing.
- Avoid being exposed: When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose. Avoid exposing your kid to persons who have fevers or colds.
- Maintain cleanliness: Clean the kitchen and bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, and handles. Throw away used tissues as soon as possible.
- Drinking glasses should not be shared with others: When you or someone else is sick, use your own glass or disposable cups. Each person's cup should be labeled.
- Avoid smoking: 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
The first injection is administered at the start of the RSV season, followed by monthly injections throughout the season. This medication only serves to protect against RSV infection. It does not help with treatment once symptoms appear.
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.