What is the respiratory syncycial virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral infection affecting the upper and lower respiratory paths and the cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis number one in children under years. Although it is a slight infection, the RSV may proceed to serious bronchiolitis, resulting in approximately 125,000 infants hospitalization every year. Although older children can market on the market, it usually affects very young children and infants. Most children will have an infection aged. There are usually colds and flu symptoms such as low -degree fever, cough and cold. Hooring may accompany other symptoms, especially if RSV progresses for more serious infection. The first infection may be more serious: up to 40 percent of young children develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia or show their symptoms. A typical RSV case without complaints is usually resolved within one week. Symptoms of this disease are wheezing, rapid breathing, nostrils and retraction. Pulling is when the muscles around the chest, neck and ramEN pulls when the child takes a breath - that means he works hard on breathing. Because infants have smaller airways than adults, their airways can endanger very quickly.

RSV is very contagious. Although it is quite vulnerable once outside the body, it can survive on the surface for several hours, where it is easily picked up by an unsuspecting person. There is sneezing, coughing, saliva and contact with the mouth, nose or eyes. The number of spike infections during a typical month of influenza, which will last from the end of autumn to early spring.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will take the sow of the nasopharyngeal secretion from the neck area behind the nose. Because RSV is a viral infection, the only treatment is to treat symptoms. Lighteners of pain are prescribed for discomfort and fever. If the RSV has advanced to a more serious case, oxygen therapy or drugs will be administered to improve oxygen saturation and the airway opening.

There are groups of children who have increased risk factors that contribute to RSV. Preemies and newborns, defined as infants less than six weeks, are exposed to a higher risk of infection infection. Children born with congenital heart defects, chronic lung problems and endangered immune systems are also at higher risk.

Risk also contributes to certain living conditions. Children in daily care or overcrowded life situations, as well as those that are often exposed to second -hand smoke, moods are susceptible to the development of RSV. Older siblings, asthma history and lack of breastfeeding also contribute.

In children in these high -risk groups, the doctor may prescribe monthly drugs containing antibodies specific to RSV to help your child avoid the development of a serious RSV case. Some doctors advise parents at risk of children to remain as much out of the public at a period of high risk. As with any disease, proper washing isHand necessary when avoiding contact with the virus, especially during the RSV season.