Repiratory Syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly called RSV, is a very important viral infection in infants and young children. RSV causes infection in the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV is a viral infection that a person can get over and over again-each time you get RSV the illness is less severe. In adults, RSV infection is usually associated with a watery runny nose and watery eyes. In infants and young children (less than 2 years of age), RSV causes bronchiolitis-swelling in the airways causing cough, difficulty breathing and sometimes wheezing. In the very young infant (less than 3 months of age) and especially in premature infants, RSV can lead to apnea-periods of time without breathing. In the young infant, hospitalization is sometimes warranted for this reason.
Season:
RSV season is winter to early spring-peaks in January and February.

Incubation period:
After exposure to RSV, it takes 2 to 8 days to develop symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms:


Low grade fever.
Cough.
Watery, runny nose.
Watery eyes in older children and adults.
Fast breathing.
Wheezing.
Difficulty feeding in infants.
Symptoms last 3 to 7 days.
Possible complications: ear infection and pneumonia.
How to avoid catching it:
Spread of the virus is primarily by the hands but can also be spread by respiratory droplets. Good hand washing for everyone in the household and all caregivers in day cares and hospitals is essential in limiting spread.



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