5 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
- copy link
With the change of season, many diseases come. Respiratory diseases are more common during monsoon season. If you look around you these days, you will find many people coughing and sneezing. Sometimes these symptoms can be mild and sometimes severe. Newborns are most at risk of respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the signs and consult a doctor before the problem worsens.
There can be many reasons for cold and cough. Flu and viral are common among them. However, sometimes these symptoms can also be caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If this disease is not treated on time, it can prove fatal for newborns and the elderly.
According to a preview published in the National Library of Medicine, every year around 3.6 million infants are hospitalized due to RSV worldwide. About 1.4 million of these are infants aged 0-6 months. In India, RSV is the cause in 5% to 54% of cases of newborns admitted due to respiratory problems every year.
Today ‘health report‘ We will talk about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Along with this, we will know that-
- What are its symptoms?
- What causes RSV and how is it spread?
- Who is most at risk?
- What are the treatment and prevention measures?
What is RSV
It is a virus that can cause respiratory infections in infants, children, adults and the elderly. Infected infants may have flu-like symptoms, which get cured in one to two weeks with proper treatment. It is important to take extra care during treatment because sometimes its symptoms can be severe.
This can prove fatal especially for children below 5 years of age and elderly people above 65 years of age.
what are its symptoms
Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection usually appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, symptoms are usually mild, like a cold. While young children and infants may experience severe symptoms.
In severe cases, breathing problems may occur
If the RSV infection becomes severe, it can spread to the lower respiratory tract. This can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis. This causes inflammation in the respiratory tract and causes breathing problems.
See the graphic for what symptoms appear in which situation.
How RSV is spread
- This virus can spread through close contact with an infected person. Apart from this, there is a risk of getting infected with RSV if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching an object contaminated with RSV.
- This virus can remain on a hard surface like a table for several hours. Meanwhile, if a person touches that surface, there is a possibility that it will also go to his hands.
- If you wash your hands with soap or handwash, the journey of this virus ends there. If you touch your face before washing your hands, the virus can enter your body and make you sick.
How contagious is RSV
RSV is very contagious. Anyone who is infected and has symptoms can easily spread the virus. RSV can be spread through respiratory droplets released from the body of an infected person when they cough or sneeze.
Sometimes infection with this virus can cause serious conditions, which can prove fatal.
For whom is RSV more dangerous
This virus can affect anyone. However, it can seriously harm children and the elderly.
- Babies who are born prematurely.
- Children under 2 years of age.
- Children with congenital heart diseases.
- Children with weak immunity.
- Elderly people above 65 years of age.
- Those who have any lung related disease.
- Elderly people with heart disease or weak immunity.
What is the treatment for RSV
- There is no specific treatment available for this virus yet. Antibiotics are used to treat it.
- Instead, treatments that are commonly used for colds and flu are recommended.
- Over-the-counter medicines can be taken to reduce fever. However, always consult a doctor before taking any medicine. Take special care in case of children.
- If you have breathing problems, your doctor may recommend a cool-mist humidifier.
- Nasal saline spray and suctioning can be done for babies to provide relief from cough and cold.
- Keep drinking water and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
What are the ways to avoid this virus?
We can make some necessary lifestyle changes to protect ourselves and our family from the risk of RSV.
- Wash your hands frequently. Teach your children and family members the importance of hand washing.
- Avoid contact with an infected person. Cover your mouth and nose when someone coughs or sneezes.
- Do not allow your child to come in contact with people who have symptoms of fever or cold.
- Keep things clean. Make sure kitchen and bathroom countertops, door handles are clean and germ-free.
- Throw used tissues into the dustbin immediately.
- Do not share drinking water glasses with others.
- If you or someone else is sick, use your own glass or disposable cup. For this, you can put name labels on everyone’s glass or cup.
- Don’t smoke. Children who are consistently exposed to tobacco smoke have a higher risk of getting RSV and potentially having more severe symptoms.
- Clean (disinfect) children’s toys regularly.
