Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Symptoms

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Causes

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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FAQ’S

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every year, parents dread the arrival of cold and flu season, especially when it comes to their young children. One of the most concerning respiratory illnesses during this time is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) illness.

It is estimated that nearly all children will have had Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection by the time they are two years old. RSV in newborns starts showing symptoms of a cold, such as a cough and a runny nose. However, the symptoms can quickly escalate, revealing RSV sickness and requiring hospitalisation for treatment.

With its ability to spread rapidly, it’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of RSV.

RSV can significantly impact the health of those infected, especially young children and the elderly. In this blog, we will delve deep into the details of this virus to help you better understand and protect against this common respiratory illness.

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that leads to mild to severe respiratory illness, most commonly in infants, young children and the elderly. RSV in adults is also well-documented, albeit with relatively light symptoms.

While RSV causes normal, cold-like symptoms in adults, it can lead to severe respiratory illness in infants, young children, elderly people and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Although most RSV infection cases resolve without treatment, some cases may have serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. RSV in adults with asthma may also prove to be deadly. Moreover, people with underlying heart or lung problems also stand in precarious health situations with RSV.

The transmission of the virus occurs through direct contact with the nasal and throat secretions of infected individuals. Children younger than two years old are at the greatest risk for severe illness if they get infected with RSV; however, anyone can become ill if exposed to the virus.

RSV infection occurs when someone comes into contact with an infected person’s sneeze or cough droplets. The virus may also be spread through contact with surfaces contaminated by an infected person’s saliva (spit).

What Are The Symptoms Of RSV?

RSV signs and symptoms typically appear within two to eight days of catching the infection.

After coming in contact with the virus, RSV symptoms can reveal themselves in stages or all at once.

There are several symptoms associated with RSV. The most common ones include the following:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Fever and chills (often mild)
• Wheezing or shortness of breath, especially when exercising or exposed to cold air or other irritants
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Decreased appetite
• Irritability
• Headache
• Sore throat

people usually visit ENT specialists whenever they feel such symptoms, but this is not a stoppage. They can have the below-mentioned signs as well.

Other possible signs and symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing (asthma-like symptoms)
• Discharge from the nose, eyes or mouth (snotty nose)
• Tiredness/lethargy
• Trouble swallowing
• Cyanosis (skin turning blue due to lack of oxygen)

The signs of RSV in adults and older children are generally quite mild. On the other side, the symptoms and signs of RSV in infants can be respiratory difficulties, reduced activity and irritability.

More RSV symptoms infants that indicate a severe infection include:

• Flaring of nostrils while breathing
• Caving in of the chest or belly breathing (considerable expansion of the belly while inhaling and exhaling)
• Sudden pauses while breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Gray or blue colour of fingernails, mouth and lips
• Rapid, shallow or short breathing

What Are The Causes Of RSV?

RSV disease is caused by a virus that disseminates or spreads through the air or contact contaminated surfaces. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly in crowded areas such as schools, daycare centres, and nursing homes. One of the main RSV causes is that this infection can rapidly disseminate from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces.

The virus easily enters the body through the mouth, nose or eyes. It can even pass on via direct contacts, like kissing, shaking hands, hugging, etc. The disease-causing microbe can survive for several hours on hard objects like door knobs, elevator buttons, toys, tabletops, and more. Unsurprisingly, it isn’t difficult to catch this virus!

A person suffering from RSV bronchiolitis, or RSV in general, is most infectious during the first week after catching the infection.

What Is The Treatment For RSV?

A healthcare provider can make a diagnosis of RSV fever based on its symptoms and a physical examination. A viral culture test is used to confirm the diagnosis of RSV in some cases.

Your doctor can make an RSV diagnosis by listening to your lungs to inspect abnormal sounds like wheezing using a stethoscope. They may also perform other tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as a rapid antigen test. Although imaging tests are typically not required, chest x-rays and CT scans may be ordered to check for complications in severe cases.

Other tests used for RSV diagnosis may include

• Blood tests to identify bacteria, viruses and other germs and evaluate white blood cell count.
• A swab test to check for RSV. This is done by collecting mucus from your mouth or nose.
• Pulse oximetry, a painless finger monitoring test. This helps check oxygen levels in the blood.

Since RSV is a common occurring, it’s not unusual for parents to misdiagnose an RSV infection as just another cold or flu virus when their child comes down with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and coughing (although these are usually milder than those associated with influenza).

Thus, it becomes crucial to consult a doctor for a thorough checkup and proper diagnosis.

RSV Diagnosis?

RSV treatment typically involves relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Over-the-counter medications can reduce fever and relieve body aches. Saline nose drops and a cool mist humidifier can help relieve nasal congestion and coughing.

Mild RSV illness goes away through self-care measures or on its own, but RSV treatment in adults, children or the elderly can help reduce symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Humidification (breathing steam) loosens mucus in the lungs and makes it easier to cough up.
• Nasal oxygen to ease trouble breathing through your nose or excessive nasal congestion from a cold or allergy symptoms.
• Antibiotics if bacterial infections develop in addition to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• RSV treatment medication to relieve pain.

In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to provide supplemental oxygen or to monitor breathing. Hospital treatment usually involves the usage of

• Breathing machine (ventilator),
• Intravenous (IV) fluids,
• Nasal prongs, and
• Oxygen mask.

 How Can RSV Be Prevented?

Currently, there is no vaccine to help prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus.  However, there are multiple ways to prevent RSV that can help decrease the risk of infection, such as

• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Avoiding crowded areas during outbreaks
• Covering your sneezes and cough

You must not share the same utensils for eating or drinking with others. Washing or cleaning everyday objects regularly also helps in evading this viral infection.

Remember, effective RSV prevention can be done only by following strict hygiene measures.

What Are The Complications Of RSV?

Several complications can arise from RSV infection.  RSV can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and respiratory failure.

In extreme cases, RSV can also lead to death, especially in high-risk individuals such as premature infants, elderly people, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

In some cases, RSV can lead to long-term health problems, such as recurrent wheezing, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many children with severe RSV infections may develop other respiratory problems later in life.

Severe signs of RSV in infants manifest as bronchiolitis which can cause difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and a persistent cough. Infants and young children with RSV pneumonia may also experience nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions (when the skin between the ribs and the breastbone sucks in with each breath).

Key Takeaways

• RSV disease causes inflammation of the airways, which results in coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing for infants and young children with compromised immune systems (such as those who have congenital heart disease).
• The virus can also cause cold-like symptoms in older children and adults.
• For others with healthy immune systems, RSV often causes only mild symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose but may still be serious enough to require medical treatment if not properly managed at home.
• If you are an adult or older child with mild RSV infection symptoms, such as a cough and runny nose, your doctor may recommend rest and over-the-counter medications to help you feel better.
• RSV can be spread by coughing or sneezing, touching contaminated surfaces with unwashed hands and then touching your mouth or nose, and sharing food or drinks with an infected person who hasn’t washed their hands after using the bathroom.
• There is presently no vaccine for preventing RSV.
• Most people with RSV get better without any treatment, but it can be serious for infants, so it’s crucial to know the signs of RSV infection and when to call your doctor if you think your child might have it.

Amandeep Hospital: A One-Stop Healthcare Centre to Treat Viral Infections

As is clear by now, RSV is a highly contagious virus that adversely affects the respiratory system and can cause mild to severe illness. Seeking medical attention becomes necessary to prevent RSV-caused complications. By practising good hygiene and seeking prompt medical care at an RSV clinic or well-equipped hospital, you can help safeguard yourself and your loved ones from RSV.

One such healthcare centre in the region is Amandeep Hospital. With a dedicated department of pulmonology, the hospital treats all kinds of diseases related to the lungs, chest and respiratory system. Our veteran Pulmonologists use state-of-the-art tools to cure several conditions, such as RSV illness, allergies, lung cancer, sleep apnoea, etc. and provide acute bronchiolitis treatment as well.

Don’t delay if you notice any chest-related symptoms. Prioritise your health by booking an appointment today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”faq”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

FAQ’S

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Q. How to prevent RSV in infants?

“]A: You must:

• Wash your hands frequently and evade close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke
• Avoid large crowds and other areas where the virus may be easily spread
• Breastfeed your infant, as this can provide some immunity to the virus

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Q. Is there an RSV vaccine?

“]A: Currently, there is no specific vaccine for RSV.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_id=”Is there a test for RSV?” panel_title=”

Q. Is there a test for RSV?

“]A: Yes, tests are available to diagnose RSV, including nasal swab tests and throat swab tests, blood tests and pulse ox tests.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_id=”Does Tdap prevent RSV” panel_title=”

Q. Does Tdap prevent RSV?

“]A: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine does not prevent RSV, but it’s still recommended for adults and adolescents as it helps protect against other infectious diseases.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_id=”Does breastfeeding prevent RSV” panel_title=”

Q. Does breastfeeding prevent RSV?

“]A: Breastfeeding can provide some immunity to RSV, as well as other infectious diseases, but it does not guarantee complete protection.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_id=” How to prevent RSV from turning into pneumonia” panel_title=”

Q. How to prevent RSV from turning into pneumonia?

“]A: To prevent RSV from turning into pneumonia, it’s important to seek medical attention early if symptoms become severe, as well as to practice good hygiene.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_id=”How to prevent the spread of RSV” panel_title=”

Q. How to prevent the spread of RSV?

“]A: To prevent the spread of RSV, you can take the following steps:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Stay home if you are feeling sick

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Q. How long does an RSV infection last?

“]A: The duration of an RSV infection can vary from person to person, but it typically lasts for several days to a couple of weeks. In severe cases, the infection can last for several weeks.
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