Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes many infections of the respiratory system (lungs and breathing passages), including:
  • Bronchitis
  • Bronchiolitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Common cold
Although these infections can happen at any age, they occur most commonly and are usually most severe in infants and young children. In severe cases they can cause death.

Causes

RSV is spread through infected fluids of the mouth, nose, and eyes. The virus most often enters the body from touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. It can also be spread by inhaling droplets from a sneeze or cough. RSV is a very contagious virus. It can survive on surfaces and objects for hours and is easily passed from person to person. RSV infection is most contagious during the first two to four days of an illness. It may continue to be contagious for up to two weeks after the illness begins.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Age: Infants and young children, especially those under 2 years old
  • Exposure to a person infected with the virus or an object contaminated with the virus
  • Premature birth of an infant
  • Problems with the heart, lungs, or immune system
  • Present or recent use of chemotherapy
  • Having had an organ or bone marrow transplant

Symptoms

The symptoms of RSV infection vary and usually differ with age and previous exposure to RSV. Very young children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases are more likely to have severe symptoms.
In children younger than age three, RSV can cause illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Symptoms may include:
  • High fever
  • Severe cough
  • Wheezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Shortness of breath
  • Very fast rate of breathing
  • Bluish color of the lips or fingernails
  • Lethargy or irritability
  • Lack of appetite
In children older than age three and in healthy adults, RSV usually causes a lower respiratory infection or cold. Symptoms commonly include:
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Mild cough
  • Headache
  • Low-grade fever

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about you or your child's symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. A variety of tests are available to diagnose RSV. Lab tests called antigen detection assays are commonly done using secretions from the nose or throat.

Treatment

Mild Infections
Mild infections, such as colds, do not need special treatment. The goal is to ease symptoms so that you or your child feels more comfortable while the body fights the virus. For symptom relief, try the following:
  • Drink plenty of liquids, especially water and fruit juice, to help keep nasal fluid thin and easy to clear.
  • Use a cool-mist vaporizer to humidify the air. This may help reduce coughing and soothe irritated breathing passages.
  • Use saline (salt water) nose drops to loosen mucus in the nose.
  • Use non-aspirin fever medicine, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever.
Severe Infections
People of all ages can develop severe infections from RSV, but it is most common in the very young. Such infections include pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and may require treatment in a hospital. This treatment is aimed at opening up breathing passages, and may include:
  • Humidified air
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Treatments to improve breathing
  • Antiviral medicine
  • In certain cases, mechanical ventilation (breathing machine)