RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS

 Basic information

description

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It is easily spread from one person to another. It occurs mainly in winter and spring months. RSV is common and most children have had an infection by age three. Symptoms are usually mild, but can be serious, especially in infants. A person can get it more than once, but the symptoms tend to be milder.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Mild symptoms (are like a common cold):
  • Runny nose, low-grade fever, headache, sore throat.
  • Feeling tired and loss of appetite.
  • Dry cough.
• More severe symptoms:
  • Infant or child refuses to eat. High fever.
  • Increase in coughing. Wheezing can occur.
  • Much less active and sleeping more than usual.
  • Breathing problems. Skin color may be bluish. Spells of apnea (breathing stops for 10 to 15 seconds).

causes

The virus is spread by close contact with an infected person. The viral germs enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. The germs can be inhaled (from coughing) or passed by direct contact (e.g., holding hands). Germs are also spread by touching a surface or object, such as a toy, that an infected person has handled. The germs can live on an object, a hard surface, or on used facial tissues for several hours and on hands for 30 minutes or longer.

risk increases with

• Under age 2. Children with weak immune system or have a chronic medical disorder or born prematurely.
• Daycare centers. Both children and teachers.
• Living, working, or being in crowded places.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wash hands often. Clean surfaces such as doorknobs.
• Take care to throw away used facial tissues.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid crowds during seasonal outbreaks.
• Avoid close contact with people with cold symptoms.
• Preventive injections may be prescribed for young children at risk of a severe RSV illness.

expected outcomes

Most cases are mild, need no special treatment, and last about 7 to 10 days.

possible complications

• Ear infection.
• Serious lung disorders. More likely in premature infants, or people who have heart or lung problems. Most everyone recovers, but may be life threatening.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Most people who have mild symptoms, or who have a child with the symptoms, treat the illness as a cold. If there are any concerns, call your health care provider.
• Your health care provider may confirm an RSV diagnosis with a physical exam. Generally they know when there is an outbreak of RSV in the area. Medical tests are normally not required for healthy patients. They may be done for people who have a risk of complications.
• Treatment of mild symptoms in otherwise healthy people is the same as for a cold. Get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids until the symptoms are better. Be alert for any serious problems that might develop.
• Avoid being around cigarette smoke.
• Use salt (saline) nose drops for a stuffy nose.
• Hospital care may be needed for those with more severe symptoms. Oxygen, special drugs, and fluids to prevent dehydration are usually required.

medications

• Children may be given acetaminophen. Other drugs should be approved by their health care provider.
• A child in a hospital may be given bronchodilators, antivirals, or other drugs for severe symptoms.
• Adults may take nonprescription drugs for pain or cold remedies.
• Antibiotics won't help a virus infection. They may be prescribed if a bacterial infection does develop.

activity

Reduce daily activity until you feel better.

diet

No special diet is needed. Drink plenty of fluids.

 notify our office if

• You or your child has symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus, and you are concerned about the illness.
• Any of the following occur during the illness: fever rises, cough or wheezing gets worse, difficulty breathing, feeling very tired or weak, infant refuses any foods or liquids, not sleeping, or periods of sleep apnea.

Special Notes: