RSV Infection Symptoms

Respiratory syncytial virus or the RSV virus is a virus that mainly affects the respiratory tract in humans. The virus causes several respiratory tract infections particularly lower respiratory infection. This virus particularly infects the lungs and the breathing passage, the RSV infection symptoms in children can lead to complications like pneumonia and bronchitis, which is the inflammation of the airways of the lungs. These infections may last for about a week but in case of severe infection, the child may have to be hospitalized for further treatment. The RSV virus incubation period is four to six days. When the RSV virus enters a person external factors like air and mingling with infected people, it starts multiplying within the body. The first symptoms can be observed after a week of the viral infestation.

Causative Factors for RSV Infection

As mentioned earlier, the main cause of these symptoms is the presence of the RSV virus in the body. This disease is highly contagious and can be spread if a healthy person comes in contact with an infected individual. The virus can be spread through droplets which are released when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus can survive on any surface like doorknobs, clothing and hands and can contaminate a healthy individual if he comes in contact with the virus. The virus can survive in the environment for about five hours. The infection spreads faster in the fall and winter season as these seasons are favorable for the growth of the virus. This virus can affect people from all age groups. Infants particularly till the age of two suffer from one or other signs of RSV infection. If the child is affected, then he must be given prompt treatment to avoid the onset of complications like ear infections, nasal passage and airway inflammation and lung diseases, which may lead to lung failure.

Symptoms of RSV

RSV can cause chronic lung infection in young babies. The other symptoms of RSV in adults are similar to those of common cold. The symptoms of the infections caused due to this virus can vary according to the age of the individual. In infants and young children, the signs of this may be severe, but older children and adults show symptoms that are much more severe in intensity as compared to the symptoms observed in babies and young children.

• Breathing problems
• Tachypnea or rapid breathing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
• High-grade fever
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Sore or dry throat
• Body ache
• Mild to severe headache

Treating RSV Infection

Before administering treatment, the doctor may tell the infected person to undergo certain tests. A fluid sample from the nose and throat are taken and checked for the presence of the respiratory syncytial virus. Mild symptoms don't require any treatments and will go down after a short period of time. In case the symptoms are severe, then the patient may require hospitalization. An antiviral medication called ribavirin may be administered. If children are affected, then they may be given IV (intravenous) fluids, oxygen and humidified air. Sometimes they may also be needed to be put on the ventilator. In order to prevent the infection, practice healthy habits like frequently washing hands with disinfectants, eating a healthy diet and keeping the body well hydrated.

Though currently there are no vaccines to curb this viral infection, the best way to ward off the complications caused by these pathogens is to prevent the growth and multiplication of the virus by practicing proper hygiene. As it is rightly said that prevention is better than cure, so take care.