Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a cause of common cold symptoms in most older children and healthy adults. By the time a child has reached their second year of life, they have usually contracted RSV at least once. In children under the age of 12 months, it is the leading cause of hospital admissions during the fall to spring seasons.[1]
RSV spreads through coming in contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected individual, or touching the surfaces contaminated with the virus. It can then spread through touching the surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live on surfaces such as tables and cribs many hours, as well as on such items as tissues and hands for less time. This is why handwashing is important.[2]
RSV can also lead to severe illness for certain groups:
Premature infants
Infants under the age of 6 months
people who are over 65
Those who have chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease
Individuals who have a low immune system [2]
How Does an Affected Individual Feel With RSV?
As with the flu or COVID-19, for many the symptoms are like the common cold which includes: a runny nose, cough, sneeze, fever, loss of appetite, and sometimes wheezing.
Infants may only have irritability, poor feeding, and breathing issues. Usually by the fourth to sixth day of being infected, symptoms may begin to appear. While a healthy adult may not become ill, they are still able to be a carrier. Typically RSV symptoms last for 3 to 8 days, although it may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover. Since the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are similar, diagnosing an RSV infection may be difficult and testing for COVID-19 should be performed. There is also a test for RSV that can definitively diagnose the disease, this is done through testing nasal secretions with a nasal swab.[5]
Preventing RSV
Since the spread and typical symptoms of RSV are similar to a common cold, it is also similar with prevention, such as- stay away from others during the presence of symptoms and recovery. It is also important to do the following:
Do not share any cups or bottles, and keep toys separate
Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
Place all tissue in the trash after use
Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds
If unable to use soap and water, use hand sanitizer[1]
As with young infants, adults over 65 or those with an underlying medical condition may require hospitalization. This is due to dehydration and breathing difficulties. If these symptoms are noted call their health advisor who may want to see them prior to admission to the hospital. If the symptoms are severe, take them directly to the Emergency Room.
Older adults tend to have severe infections because with increased age the immune system may be less effective than when the individual was younger. If the symptoms are severe or linger for longer than a week, call your healthcare provider.[3]
Whether for a child or adult, the treatment is the same. Since it is a virus antibiotics are not used unless there is an underlying bacterial infection such as pneumonia. Treat the infection with rest, increased fluids to prevent dehydration, humidifier, and tylenol or motrin for fever, never give a child aspirin.[2]
RSV Prevention
The RSV immunizations are advised for these groups:
There are currently two different RSV vaccines available for adults over 60
It is recommended that women who are pregnant should receive the vaccine at 32 to 36 weeks gestation in order to provide the unborn child with immunity until 6 months of age
AN RSV monoclonal antibody is recommended for infants and certain young children.
There are aslo recommendations that infants under 8 months receive a monoclonal antibody during the fall to spring seasons. This recommendation is also for infants born less than 14 days from when the mother received the vaccine, or if it is unclear whether the mother was vaccinated. As with any vaccine discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to administration.[4]
Sources
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board