Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that causes infection in the lungs and airways. In the United States, it is most prevalent from late fall to early spring.
Transmission of the Virus
RSV is a contagious virus that is easily spread by direct or indirect contact with the virus. Oral and nasal secretions contain the virus, so kissing or cuddling a child can expose a parent or sibling. It can also be transmitted through breathing in the droplet nuclei that hangs suspended in the air after someone with the virus coughs or sneezes.
RSV can live for a short time on surfaces such as countertops and cribs. If someone touches a contaminated surface, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, they can become infected.
The contagious stage lasts up to a week; however, people with weak immune systems can remain contagious for up to a month.
Who is at Risk?
RSV infects mainly infants and children under two, although older children and adults can also contract the disease. Pre-term and high risk infants are at risk for more serious complications, which can include pneumonia and bronchiolitis. In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis.
Symptoms and Treatment
A child with RSV will usually begin to show symptoms within 4-6 days after exposure. The illness may resemble the common cold, and the first symptoms are usually a runny nose, fever, and a decreased appetite. Within a few days, the child may begin to cough and sneeze. An infant may be fussy and have trouble feeding with a bottle while breathing through his nose.
More serious symptoms include wheezing, rapid breathing, flaring of the nostrils, retracting of the chest muscles, and a blue tinge to the lips or fingernail beds. Seek medical help for these symptoms.
Since RSV is a virus, antibiotics will not have an effect on the illness. Care of the child with a mild case is much like caring for a child with a cold. This includes keeping the child comfortable, suctioning the nose to remove the secretions, offering fluids and treating fever. Never give a child aspirin.
More serious cases may require hospitalization, as the child will need careful monitoring. In some cases, RSV can lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The child may need supplemental oxygen and suctioning of the upper airway. A breathing tube may need to be inserted in the airway to maintain ventilation if the case is very severe.
Prevention
As of today, there is no vaccine or cure for RSV, and since the virus is capable of mutating, or changing its makeup, it is possible to be infected with RSV more than once.
Frequent hand washing, especially before and after caring for a child, will help prevent the spread of the virus. Disinfectant should be used to clean surfaces such as crib rails, toys, telephones, and doorknobs. Limit close contact with others who have colds or respiratory symptoms. Cover the mouth while sneezing or coughing, then wash hands well.
Young children who attend daycare or are frequently around school age children are often exposed to the virus. If a child is high risk or pre-term, it is advisable to limit the amount of time the child spends in such environments.
Research is being done on different anti-viral medications that may prevent serious symptoms in children considered at high risk for complications from RSV. Contact a physician for more information on these medications, or research the subject at CDC.gov/rsv.
