Respiratory Syncytial Virus: What You Need to Know

What Causes RSV & Who is at Greater Risk From it?

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus is among the most common microbes that cause lung and respiratory tract infections in small children and infants. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that almost 60,000 children under five years old are hospitalized because of infections caused by the virus each year.

Regarded as a seasonal virus, most RSV infections happen between September and May. Granted, most RSV infections run their course over two weeks without causing severe symptoms. Some parts of the population are at a greater risk of getting severe infections requiring proper medical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Some of the risk factors for people developing severe RSV infections include:

• People with weaker immune function
• Premature babies
• Young children with existing lung or heart diseases
• Older adults

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets to people who come into close contact with an infected individual. Contracting the virus by touching surfaces contaminated by infected people is also possible.

Complications Caused by RSV Infections & Treatment Recommendation

Children suffering from severe RSV infections are at risk of developing ear infections. They can also develop croup, which inflames their vocal cords, leading to louder and more uncomfortable coughing characterized by a bark-like sound. Severe RSV infections can spread to the lower respiratory tract and cause patients to potentially develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia. As the symptoms worsen, severe RSV infections can lead to fever, severe coughing, wheezing, difficulty with breathing, and cyanosis; a condition that causes the skin to turn a slightly bluish hue due to a lack of enough oxygen in the blood.

Infants are most prone to developing complications due to the virus. Infants suffering from serious RSV infections can experience several symptoms, including:

• Coughing
• Inability to feed properly
• Lethargy
• Extreme irritability
• Difficulty in breathing
• Short, small, and quick breathing

Most children and adults recover from RSV infections in one or two weeks. RSV infections are not curable, but a patient can recover from it by properly managing the symptoms and letting it run its course. Severe cases that do not improve might require a hospital stay and life-saving interventions, including using ventilators.

When People With an RSV Infection Should See a Doctor

If you or someone you know is suffering from RSV and has risk factors for severe infections, it’s essential to keep a close eye on their symptoms. If the infected individual develops wheezing, severe coughs, difficulty breathing, or you start seeing a bluish color in their skin, it’s critical you waste no time in taking them to a qualified medical professional for proper care.

Final Thoughts

Respiratory syncytial virus infection symptoms can be managed through medication use, when necessary. As the main point of contact for your patients and their families, you are also responsible for properly educating your patients about precautions they can take to prevent the disease. While most RSV infections run their course without medical intervention, severe infections can be dangerous and possibly fatal.

Make it a point to educate your patients about the disease and recommend seeking treatment if the severity of their symptoms increase. You can ensure a positive patient outcome by offering them the guidance they need at the right time.

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