This is a virus that negatively affects the respiratory tract and lungs causing infections. It is known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While RSV commonly impacts children before 2 years old, it can affect adults too. Usually, the symptoms are mild in children, adults, and older and are similar to those that appear in people with the common cold.
Severe infection can happen in people under 1 year old, infants, older adults, premature infants, and those who suffer from lung or heart disease. Those who have a weakened body’s defense (immune system) also are at increased risk of developing a severe infection form.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this infection usually appear within one week after getting in contact with the virus. Check below some examples:
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Dry cough
- Runny or congested nose
In addition, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract and provoke diseases. For example pneumonia or bronchitis (inflammation of the airway passages that enter the lungs). Check below some symptoms that could appear in severe cases of RSV:
- Severe cough
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Fast or trouble breathing
- Skin color changes due to a lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
Commonly, the most severe form of RSV occurs in infants. Check below some symptoms:
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy (tiredness)
- Irritability
- Cough
- Shallow or rapid breathing
In most cases, adults and children recover during 1-2 weeks. In case you or your children experience a severe or life-threatening infection, a hospital is required. Hospitalization often is advised for premature infants and those who suffer from chronic types of heart and lung disease.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus and COVID-19
These respiratory viruses usually provoke similar symptoms. However, children usually experience mild symptoms (such as runny nose, fever, and cough) due to COVID-19 while adults can notice breathing problems.
People who have RSV are more prone to develop COVID-19 because the virus weakens the immune system. As a result, a person can develop both respiratory diseases.
It is recommended to visit a doctor right away if any of the following symptoms occur. Examples include breathing problems, high fever, and blue skin color.
Causes
The infection occurs when the virus enters the body usually through the mouth, eyes, or nose. Thereafter, it can easily spread to other people through infected respiratory droplets. For instance, if an infected person sneezes or coughs near you, the virus can enter your body. In other words, you can become infected. RSV can also spread to other people through direct contact such as shaking hands.
Moreover, RSV can live on objects (such as crib rails, countertops, and toys) for hours. Therefore, if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after getting in contact with contaminated objects you can get the virus.
A person is very contagious in the first 7 days or right after the infection has gone. However, children and people with weakened body defenses can be contagious after symptoms disappear for up to 1 month.
Risk Factors
An increased risk of getting RSV or even a severe form of infection are the following people:
- Infants (especially babies under 6 months of age or younger and premature infants)
- Children with congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, with weakened immune systems, who have cancer or receive chemotherapy (a treatment option for cancer).
- Older people (over 65 years old or older)
- Adults with lung or heart disease
- Children who suffer from neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy)
What Are The Possible Complications of Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
If you ignore this infection, it may lead to some unpleasant complications. Examples include:
- Pneumonia – This virus is the most common cause that leads to inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) or lung airways (bronchiolitis) in children. Previous complications usually happen when RSV goes to the lower respiratory tract. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis can be life-threatening for infants, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or with preexisting health problems (including lung and heart disease).
- Hospitalization – If you experience a severe respiratory syncytial virus infection, you may need to stay in the hospital. Physicians usually prescribe intravenous (IV) fluids to relieve the symptoms.
- Middle ear infection – Otitis media (middle ear infection) usually occurs when germs go behind the eardrum. Usually, this complication occurs in young children and babies.
- Asthma – Experts believe that there is a link between RSV and asthma that may develop later in life.
- Recurrent infections – People who previously had RSV are at increased risk of getting infected again. In any case, the symptoms are mild and very similar to the common cold symptoms. More severe symptoms can occur in people with heart or lung disease.
Diagnosis
Sometimes, doctors suspect you have RSV during a physical examination and based on the symptoms you experience. They will listen to your heart and lungs using a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds, wheezing, abnormal heartbeats, and others.
In most cases, doctors also perform some tests that help to determine RSV complications and exclude other diseases that provoke similar symptoms. Check below some of them:
- Blood tests – These tests are performed to identify the virus or bacteria, or check the white blood cell count.
- Chest X-rays – This test helps to make detailed images of your lungs and heart. It is usually done to check for inflammation.
- Swabs of secretions from the mouth or nose can also help your doctor determine whether you have the virus or not.
- Pulse oximetry – This is a painless test that helps to identify abnormal oxygen levels in the blood.
Treatment
There are 2 types of treatment for people with RSV. These include supportive care and hospitalization. The second treatment option is usually recommended in severe cases.
Supportive Care
In such cases, physicians usually recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications (such as Acetaminophen) to reduce fever. In addition, you should never give your child Aspirin because it may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome. To clear the nose, you can use nasal saline drops. If you or your child experience a bacterial complication (such as pneumonia), you may get some antibiotics.
Furthermore, you should also watch your children for dehydration symptoms (including dry mouth, reduced urine amount, sunken eyes, extreme fussiness, or drowsiness). Give your children plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
Hospitalization
If you experience severe symptoms, it is advised to stay in a hospital. These include:
- A breathing machine (mechanical ventilation)
- Humidified oxygen
- IV (intravenous) fluids
However, an inhaler or steroids are not recommended to be used in people with RSV.
Prevention
Anyone can get this virus but premature and younger infants, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease are at increased risk of getting this virus.
Prevention for Infants and High-risk Young Children
There are two primary prevention options for young infants from a severe form of RSV. Moreover, both prevention options are FDA-approved. Talk with your doctor to determine which one is better for your child.
- Vaccine for pregnant women – A vaccine known as Abrysvo is given to pregnant females to prevent RSV in children after birth. The dose is usually administered between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy.
- Antibody product (Nirsevimab) – This is an injection given once per month before or during RSV season. This product is intended for children younger than 8 months of age who are born before or during RSV season. Nirsevimab is effective in children between 8-19 months of age.
Vaccine for Older Adults
The immune system tends to weaken in older people especially if they experience a heart or lung disease. However, the FDA approved a vaccine against RSV for people over age 60 and older.
In addition, you should not administer any of the vaccines available until you consult with a healthcare professional. There are 2 vaccines including Abrysvo and Arexvy. Never get both of them at the same time because it may lead to certain unpleasant outcomes.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting the following lifestyle habits can prevent the spread of the infection. Examples include:
- Cover the mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. You should also limit the contact of your baby with other people especially if they have colds or fever.
- Regularly wash your hands
- It is recommended to wash regularly the kitchen, bathroom countertops, doorknobs, and handles. Discard in the trash used tissue.
- Quit smoking because babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke are at increased risk of getting RSV. However, if you are a smoker, avoid smoking in the house or car.
- You should also wash the baby’s toys regularly especially if your child or a playmate is sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long a person with RSV is contagious?
It is advised to stay in quarantine for approximately one week because during this time the virus can easily spread to other people.
Can people with respiratory syncytial virus get pneumonia?
In severe infection cases, the virus can spread to the lower respiratory tract, which provokes inflammation of the airway passages that enter the lungs. As a result, people can experience bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
What does the best treatment for RSV include?
- Mechanical ventilation
- Tube feeding
- Antiviral medications
- Suctioning of mucus
- Humidified oxygen
- Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
