All You Need to Know About RSV: Symptoms, Prevention

Have you ever heard about a virus called respiratory syncytial virus, fondly known as RSV?

Here are some informations about RSV bellow:

RSV is a common virus that can affect anyone of any age, and its symptoms are generally mild and manageable, according to NSW Healt.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that causes respiratory infections. Infections usually peak in late autumn or winter in NSW.

RSV can occur in children and adults. It can cause a cold with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever and headache and also cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Almost all children will have been infected by the age of 3 years. Recovery from RSV gives some immunity against getting infected again but is not long-lasting.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

For most people, RSV infection causes a mild respiratory illness. Symptoms usually begin around 5 days after exposure to the virus and can get worse over the first 3 to 4 days of the illness before an improvement. Symptoms can include:

runny nose

cough

sneezing

fever

ear infection (less common).

RSV can also cause wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Babies under one year of age are more likely to develop breathing problems such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. They can be unsettled and have difficulty feeding.

Young children may develop wheeze and difficulty breathing.

Older children and adults may also have breathing problems, especially if they have chronic heart, lung or immune problems. Some babies, children and older adults may need admission to hospital to help their breathing or hydration.

See Monitoring RSV symptoms below for symptom management in children and adults.

How is RSV spread?

RSV is highly infectious. It can be spread through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes.

touching items and surfaces (such as doorknobs or toys), and hands which are contaminated with droplets and then touching your nose or eyes.

Contributed by Ahmed Emam