Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious virus that affects people of all ages, but it most severely affects young children and older adults. It is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in infants and young children worldwide.

Symptoms of RSV

The symptoms of RSV infection can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Runny nose and stuffiness
• Coughing and sneezing
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Wheezing or making a high-pitched sound while breathing out (in severe cases)
• Apnea (pauses in breathing) in premature infants
• Respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, and chest retractions
• In severe cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can cause:
• Difficulty breathing
• Blue discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
• Low oxygen levels in the blood

Risk Factors for Severe RSV Infection

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing severe RSV infection, including:

• Premature infants (born before 37 weeks of gestation)
• Infants with certain underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease
• Older adults, especially those with weakened immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions
• People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy

Treatments for RSV

Treatment for RSV infection is typically focused on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's immune system. This may include:

• Supportive care, such as:
• Providing plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Suctioning out nasal secretions with a bulb syringe or saline drops
• Medications, such as:
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce fever and relieve headaches or body aches
• Bronchodilators to help open up airways and improve breathing
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs
• Oxygen therapy to help increase oxygen levels in the blood
• Antibiotics, if a secondary bacterial infection develops
• Hospitalization, in severe cases, to provide close monitoring and supportive care

Prevention of RSV

To help prevent the spread of RSV, it is recommended to:

• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold or other respiratory infection
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the virus
• Avoid sharing utensils, glasses, or other personal items
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick to prevent spreading the virus to others

Vaccines and Immunoprophylaxis for RSV

There is no vaccine available for RSV, but palivizumab (Synagis) is a monoclonal antibody that can help prevent severe RSV infection in high-risk infants. It is typically given as a monthly injection during the RSV season.