We have not yet emerged from the severe pandemic caused by Covid-19, and the rise of a new respiratory infection is drawing the attention of specialists. The “Respiratory Syncytial Virus” or RSV (its English acronym), a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, is spreading rapidly across the United States, especially among children.
The majority of people recover within one or two weeks, but RSV can be severe, particularly for infants and older adults. This virus is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (lung infection) in children under 1 year of age.
Almost all children contract RSV at some point before they turn 2, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most adults who catch the virus experience mild illness; for those who are elderly or have chronic heart or lung diseases or a weakened immune system, the infection can be dangerous.
How to Identify the Infection?
For many, RSV causes a mild illness that can be treated at home. On average, an infection lasts from five days to a few weeks and usually resolves on its own, according to the CDC. Sometimes, the cough can last up to four weeks, pediatricians say.
The symptoms are similar to those of a common cold: runny nose, decreased appetite, cough, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Infants may have difficulty breathing.
Not every child will exhibit all potential RSV symptoms.
As it is not easy for parents to differentiate respiratory illnesses such as RSV, flu, or Covid, it is best to take a sick child to a pediatrician, who can conduct tests to identify the cause.
Treatment
Testing is important because the treatment for RSV infections, flu, and Covid-19 can differ.
There is no antiviral treatment or specific medications for RSV. There is also no vaccine. As mentioned, in most cases, the virus is fought off by the body, and symptoms disappear without any intervention. However, it is recommended to take the sick person to a medical appointment, especially in cases of difficulty breathing.
How to Prevent
The best way to prevent RSV infections, doctors say, is to teach children to cough and sneeze into a tissue or their elbows, rather than their hands. It is also recommended to keep frequently touched surfaces clean, as well as to wear masks around others and wash hands. Most importantly, if someone is sick – whether a child or an adult, they should stay home to avoid spreading the illness.