Summary about Disease
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year in the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms of RSV infection usually appear within 4 to 6 days after infection. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, including:
Runny nose
Decreased appetite
Cough
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing In infants, RSV can cause more severe symptoms, including:
Short, shallow, and rapid breathing
Struggling to breathe
Coughing
Poor feeding
Irritability
Lethargy
Apnea (pauses in breathing)
Causes
RSV spreads when infected respiratory droplets enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. This can happen through:
Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Direct contact, such as touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face
Direct contact, such as kissing the face of a child with RSV
Close contact, such as shaking hands.
Medicine Used
There is no specific cure for RSV infection. Treatment is typically supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms. Medicines include:
Fever reducers and pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and discomfort.
Decongestants: May help relieve nasal congestion in older children and adults. Caution: Decongestants are not recommended for infants and young children.
Bronchodilators: In some cases, bronchodilators may be used to open up the airways and ease breathing difficulties, but their effectiveness for RSV is limited.
Ribavirin: An antiviral medication that is sometimes used in severe cases of RSV, especially in immunocompromised individuals or infants with underlying health conditions.
Oxygen therapy: To maintain adequate oxygen levels.
IV Fluids: To combat dehydration.
Palivizumab: This is not a treatment for RSV but a preventative medication for high-risk infants.
Is Communicable
Yes, RSV is highly communicable. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets and close contact.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of RSV:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys, and countertops.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings during RSV season.
Palivizumab shots may be recommended by a doctor to prevent serious RSV infection in some babies at high risk.
How long does an outbreak last?
RSV outbreaks typically occur in the fall and winter months, starting in October or November and peaking between December and February. The duration of an individual RSV infection is typically 1 to 2 weeks. Community-wide RSV activity usually returns to low levels by late spring.
How is it diagnosed?
RSV can be diagnosed through several methods:
Physical examination: A doctor will assess the patient's symptoms.
Nasal swab: A sample of nasal secretions is collected and tested for the presence of RSV antigens. This is the most common diagnostic test.
Rapid antigen test: This test provides quick results, usually within minutes, but it may not be as sensitive as other tests.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This test is more sensitive than the rapid antigen test and can detect RSV RNA in the nasal sample.
Chest X-ray: In severe cases, a chest X-ray may be performed to check for pneumonia or other lung complications.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: 4 to 6 days after infection.
Days 1-3: Mild, cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, decreased appetite, and cough.
Days 3-5: Symptoms may worsen, including fever, wheezing, and increased cough. Infants may experience more severe symptoms such as rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
Days 5-7: Symptoms usually begin to improve.
Days 7-14: Most people recover within one to two weeks. Some may experience lingering cough.
Important Considerations
High-Risk Groups: Infants (especially premature infants), young children with underlying health conditions (such as heart or lung disease), older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe RSV infection.
Hospitalization: Severe RSV infections may require hospitalization for supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and IV fluids.
Secondary Infections: RSV can sometimes lead to secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or ear infections.
Long-Term Effects: Some studies suggest that severe RSV infection in infancy may increase the risk of developing asthma later in life.
Prevention: Aside from the precautions already listed, vaccination options are recently available for older adults and infants (via maternal vaccination during pregnancy or directly to the infant) to help prevent severe illness from RSV. Discuss these options with a healthcare provider.