Understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children

With the change in seasons comes the possibility of increasing reports of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and the demand for an online medical certificate is likely. At Prime Medic these are things we can help with.

RSV in children is far more than simply a cold; it spreads quickly and readily, particularly in close-knit communities. Most children have had it at least once by the time they are two, and it's the leading cause of paediatric respiratory illness.

What is RSV?

The abbreviated term for the respiratory syncytial virus is RSV. It is an infection that mostly affects the lungs and may cause breathing difficulties or, in severe instances, bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

How widespread is the danger of RSV infection, and who is at the most risk?

The elderly and young children are more vulnerable to RSV infections. This is because infants and toddlers often congregate closely in large numbers at daycare. Complications from RSV infection are more likely in the elderly, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, including heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.

Children are more likely to get RSV from close contacts who already have the virus. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to occur annually in homes, schools and daycare. Seasonal variation in the incidence of RSV has been observed.

Although RSV may impact people of any age, it is most serious among the youngest and oldest of the population. The symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older children and adults may resemble those of a severe asthma attack. Premature infants and infants born with congenital heart, lung, or immune system defects are more likely to develop life-threatening illnesses. RSV is associated with more severe health complications.

Aside from the common cold, RSV may also cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, both of which are serious lung illnesses. It's the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and toddlers.

Adults and babies who are otherwise healthy yet with RSV seldom need hospitalisation. However, hospitalisation may be necessary for those with RSV infection who are experiencing respiratory difficulties or who are younger than 6 months old. Extreme instances may need intubation (insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth and down the airway) with mechanical ventilation, or just the administration of extra oxygen and intravenous fluids. Hospital stays for these conditions are often short, lasting no more than a week or two at most.

When a child has RSV, what should parents look for?

Children with RSV may first exhibit symptoms like those of the common cold or influenza, including a runny nose, fever, cough and wheezing. People with RSV often have ear infections as a side effect of their illness.

Children with asthma or other respiratory problems may have more severe coughing and wheezing. And when the virus spreads, babies are at a higher risk of suffering bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Why does RSV occur?

When an infected individual speaks, coughs, or sneezes, water droplets are released into the air and maybe inhaled by anybody in close proximity.

Skin-to-skin contact (such as when shaking hands) and contact with objects that an infected person has touched (such as a door handle or a tissue) may also transmit the virus. The virus can survive on hard surfaces for far longer than it can on human skin or paper.

How do you deal with RSV?

Rest, water, and pain relievers like paracetamol are often the best ways to manage respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Since RSV is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective against it, and most individuals feel well within a week to two weeks.

To reduce the likelihood of contracting and transmitting the virus, frequent hand washing and other forms of personal hygiene are crucial. A blood test or a test of nasal or throat mucus may detect the virus.

When should you visit a doctor?

If any of the following apply to your child it's time to book an appointment online with Prime Medic and obtain an online doctor referral:

• They're running a fever
• When they start coughing, mucus is likely to be present
• They appear very upset and won't eat

Here are some of the most important things to know about RSV in children:

Respiratory distress syndrome (RSV) is a viral infection that makes it hard to breathe. By the time they are two years old, many infants have been infected more than once.

Additional oxygen therapy may be used in the treatment of RSV. This is supplemental oxygen delivered by a mask, nasal prongs or a tent containing a supply of oxygen.

RSV may cause serious respiratory disease and pneumonia in newborns at high risk. The situation might rapidly worsen and become fatal.

If your child is having problems breathing or is breathing fast, call an ambulance or go straight to Emergency. An option to speak to a doctor online at Prime Medic is also recommended.