RSV infects the lungs and breathing passages, and in healthy adults and children, symptoms may appear Colds Only, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of illness, but in premature babies and children with diseases affecting the lungs, heart, or immune system, respiratory syncytial virus infection can be more serious, according to the Montreal Children’s Hospital website in Canada.
8 things you should know about respiratory syncytial virus
1. Respiratory syncytial virus is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children
For most infants and young children, RSV infection causes nothing more than a common cold, but for premature babies and infants with chronic illnesses and low immune systems, RSV infection can lead to serious problems.
A proportion of these high-risk children can develop bronchiolitis, an infection of the small airways in the lungs, or pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
2. Respiratory syncytial virus is highly contagious
RSV can spread through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes. It can also live for a few hours on surfaces (such as countertops, doorknobs, or toys) and on hands, so it can spread easily when a person touches something contaminated.
3. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection often occurs during the winter months
While the infection usually lasts about a week, some cases may last several weeks.
RSV can spread rapidly through schools and childcare centers.
Children most often get it when older children bring the virus home from school and pass it on to them. Almost all children have been infected with RSV at least once by the time they are 2 years old.
4. Parents and other adults can easily infect young children with RSV
Because the symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the common cold (runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, and sometimes fever), parents and other adults may not be aware that they have the virus but can still be contagious so they can easily infect children who are at risk. Great through close contact.
5. You can take additional steps to prevent RSV infection
The following tips can help prevent the spread of the virus to your child:
Ask people to wash their hands first before touching your child.
Avoid kissing your child’s face if you have cold symptoms.
Keep your child away from crowds.
Wash toys and the baby’s environment regularly.
Limit the time high-risk children spend in nurseries, especially from late fall to early spring when RSV is most prevalent.
If possible, keep your child away from anyone with cold symptoms, including older siblings.
Avoid smoky environments.
6. Do not use antibiotics because it is a viral disease, not a bacterial one
Fortunately, most cases of syncytial virus are mild and do not require specific treatment from doctors.
Do not use antibiotics because RSV is a virus and antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Medications may sometimes be given to help open the airways and improve breathing.
However, in an infant, an RSV infection can be more serious and may require hospitalization until the baby can be watched more closely, and may need more fluids and possibly treatment for breathing problems.
7. For most infants and young children, home care for RSV is sufficient.
Treatment at home includes:
Removing sticky nasal fluids with a bulb syringe using saline drops
Use a cool mist vaporizer to keep the air moist and make breathing easier
Provide fluids in small amounts frequently during the day
Giving fever reducers that do not contain aspirin, such as acetaminophen
For children with more serious conditions that require hospitalization, treatment may include:
– oxygen
Intravenous fluids
Medicines to open the airways
8. RSV infection is completely preventable
There are a number of things you can do to protect your child from syncytial virus
First, keep babies under 6 months of age away from people with colds, and clean and disinfect hard surfaces. Wash your hands and your children’s hands often to reduce the spread of germs.
Breastfeeding your baby can also help protect against syncytial virus and other diseases. Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune factors.