Dr. Nayef Al-Otaibi, Consultant Adult Infectious Diseases at King Saud University, said: The syncytial virus is one of the respiratory viruses known since ancient times all over the world and in the Kingdom as well.
Al-Otaibi explained to “News 24This virus is active with the entry of cold weather, starting from October and November to April and May, and reaches its peak activity in January and February.
He added that the symptoms of the virus are similar to the rest of the symptoms of other respiratory viruses, such as high fever, runny nose, coughing, and loss of appetite in children, and some cases may develop shortness of breath and wheezing in the chest.
And he indicated that the virus affects all ages, but premature babies, infants under two years of age, and children who suffer from chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, or nervous system, or who suffer from immunodeficiency are considered more at risk of exposure to complications from the virus.
He pointed out that the virus is transmitted through exposure to respiratory droplets of the infected person, either directly or through contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth and nose.
He stressed that washing hands is one of the most important means of protection against all respiratory viruses, and it is also necessary to adhere to covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing, and keeping infected people away from high-risk people.