What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

• RSV stands for "Respiratory Syncytial Virus"
• This is a very common type of cold virus that affects many people. Infants and young children are especially at risk to contract RSV.
• RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an infection of the small airways in the lungs
• RSV can also cause pneumonia
• It is a cause of hospitalization for many young children, and some children die of RSV

What are the Signs/Symptoms of RSV?

• RSV can cause:
  • Congestion/stuffiness
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Poor feeding
  • Tiredness
  • Apnea - some babies completely stop breathing
• The severity of infection and the resulting signs and symptoms can vary depending on the age of the child, other health conditions, and whether the child has had a previous RSV infection

Who Is at Risk for Getting RSV?

• Infants and young children are the most at risk to get RSV
• Risk factors for severe RSV:
  • Premature babies
  • Children less than 2 years old who have lung disease or heart disease
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • People with weakened immune systems
• It is debated whether exposure to cigarette smoking increases the risk of getting RSV. However, second-hand smoke increases the risk of other infections.

How Is RSV Spread?

• RSV is spread by coughing and sneezing
• A child can get RSV by touching a surface that has RSV on it, and then touching his or her eyes, nose, or mouth

How is RSV Diagnosed?

• RSV is diagnosed by a doctor: A doctor can diagnose RSV by examining a child, listening to the child’s lungs, and hearing a description of symptoms.
• Sometimes lab work is sent to see if the child has RSV
• Sometimes a chest x-ray is performed to see if the child has pneumonia

How Is RSV Treated?

• RSV is treated with "supportive care." This means that while there is no cure for RSV, there are ways to help the symptoms.
• For example, if the baby is having problems eating, the baby might need fluids through an intravenous (IV) line or through a temporary feeding tube
• If the child has problems breathing, supplemental oxygen may be needed. In especially bad cases, a child may need a temporary breathing tube.
• Sometimes medicines may be tried to help improve the symptoms

What Complications Can RSV cause?

• In the majority of cases, RSV does not cause lifelong problems
• There is some debate, however, about whether RSV infection early in life can cause asthma
• In severe cases, RSV can cause lifelong health problems

How Can RSV Be Prevented?

• Good hand washing
• Avoiding touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Cleaning surfaces that people frequently touch (doorknobs, counters, toys)
• Staying home if the child is sick so that others won’t also get sick
• The medicine Palivizumab (brand name: Synagis), given in shot form, helps to prevent RSV in those who are at highest risk of having severe disease
• Risk factors for severe RSV:
  • Only certain babies qualify for this medicine, and it is VERY important that those babies that qualify are able to receive it. It is considered medical neglect if a child does not receive the recommended Palivizumab, and a ChildLine will be filed.
• Breastfeeding can help prevent many types of illnesses, including RSV

Content Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2014. "Protect Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus." www.cdc.gov/features/rsv/
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Bronchiolitis." www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchiolitis/
Piedimonte, G., and M. K. Perez. 2014. "Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis." Pediatrics in Review 35(12): 519-30.