respiratory syncytial virus infection
Quick Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infectious agent that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe lower respiratory disease, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants under six months, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.12
RSV spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Symptoms usually appear within four to six days and include a runny nose, cough, fever, and wheezing. Severe cases may present with high fever, difficulty breathing, and bluish lips or fingers. Infants might only show irritability and breathing difficulties.1
While most infections resolve on their own within one to two weeks, treatment options include the antiviral drug ribavirin. For high-risk infants, a preventative monoclonal antibody injection is available. Frequent handwashing and surface cleaning can help prevent transmission.12
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respiratory diseaseViral infections of the respiratory systemā¦is usually rapid, in some infections with respiratory syncytial virus an extensive bronchiolitis develops that may be severe enough to threaten life. In epidemics of these diseases, occasional cases occur in which the course is complicated by inflammation of the pericardiumāthe membrane enclosing the heartāor by a pleural effusion.
Read Moreā¦is usually rapid, in some infections with respiratory syncytial virus an extensive bronchiolitis develops that may be severe enough to threaten life. In epidemics of these diseases, occasional cases occur in which the course is complicated by inflammation of the pericardiumāthe membrane enclosing the heartāor by a pleural effusion.
Read More- respiratory diseaseBronchiolitis
ā¦two years, and particularly in infections with respiratory syncytial virus. In some cases the inflammation may be severe enough to threaten life, but it normally clears spontaneously, with complete healing in all but a very small percentage of cases. In adults, acute bronchiolitis of this kind is not a well-recognizedā¦
Read Moreā¦two years, and particularly in infections with respiratory syncytial virus. In some cases the inflammation may be severe enough to threaten life, but it normally clears spontaneously, with complete healing in all but a very small percentage of cases. In adults, acute bronchiolitis of this kind is not a well-recognizedā¦
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