Contents
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious virus that affects the lungs and respiratory system, causing a range of mild to severe medical conditions. RSV is seen around the world and is the leading cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia in children under 5 years old. Anyone can get RSV, but it is most commonly found in infants, young children, and the elderly.
Symptoms of RSV Infection
Common symptoms of RSV infection include:
– Coughing
– Wheezing
– Difficulty breathing
– Fever
– Congestion
If your child experiences these symptoms, please seek medical advice right away.
How is RSV Spread?
RSV is spread through the air, physical contact with an infected person, and contact with contaminated objects like toys and surfaces. People infected with RSV are able to spread the virus before they are even showing signs of the illness, meaning they may not even know they are carriers.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention
The best way to prevent the spread of RSV is to take steps to limit contact with those who have the virus or who may have been in contact with infected individuals. If you have a baby or young child, you should avoid large crowds, be sure to clean and sanitize frequently, and wash your hands often.
Treatment
While there is no specific treatment for RSV, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and medications to reduce the inflammation in the lungs can help relieve symptoms. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms begin as it can help to reduce the severity of the illness.
RSV and Health
RSV is a serious and potentially fatal illness, so it is important to take all necessary steps to prevent infection. While most people recover from RSV without any long-term effects, it can cause serious complications for people with weakened immune systems or respiratory problems. If you or anyone in your family is at risk of getting RSV, it is important to take extra precautions to protect them from infections.