Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as human orthopneumovirus or human respiratory syncytial virus, is a contagious virus that causes infections in the respiratory tract. The symptoms of an infection with this viral agent can vary from one individual to the next. In general, these symptoms are the same, but in some cases, the syncytial virus may cause symptoms that are entirely different from other types of infections.
Approximately one in every three children in the United States will develop RSV virus at some point during their lives. Infections with RSV are common among young children and are not harmful to adults. The majority of children and babies will catch RSV before they reach the age of two, but older children and adults will likely be infected with RSV once or twice in their lifetime. Unlike other viruses, though, older people are generally not as ill with RSV. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the spread of RSV and get rid of the symptoms that come with it.
Prevention is the key to preventing this viral infection Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
The most important way to prevent an RSV infection is to protect yourself and your family from the virus. It is a common virus that occurs in epidemics, but it can also occur in isolated cases. You can learn more about RSV by reading about its symptoms and treatments. NIAID’s basic research will lead to safer and more effective treatments. The NIAID website contains extensive information about the disease, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
While most children will develop an RSV infection before the age of two, some may become ill with it again later. If you or your child attends daycare or has siblings in school, you are at greater risk of reinfection. However, RSV does not usually require hospitalization, so you should take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s comfort during the infection. Try to keep them as comfortable as possible, and make sure they drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
The infection is usually mild and will go away on its own.
If the virus is still present in the respiratory system, antibiotics are not effective. Because antibiotics only target bacteria, they do not work on RSV. It is recommended that you seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms. For infants, RSV infection is often mild. You can treat it at home and prevent it from spreading. Remember to give your child plenty of fluids and to clean the humidifier frequently.
Although respiratory syncytial virus usually causes a cold, the infection is not fatal. While it is not life-threatening, you should consult a doctor if your child’s symptoms persist for more than a week. If your baby has a fever, you should consult with a doctor. The symptoms of RSV are similar to those of a common cold. A cold that lasts more than a week may require hospitalization.
Infections with RSV usually result in a mild or moderate respiratory illness.
The symptoms usually last a week or more but they can sometimes last several weeks. The illness is easy to treat and can be spread to others. Its weakened immunity makes the infection a serious medical issue. You should consult a health care provider if you have respiratory syncytial virus to ensure that your child’s immune system is healthy.
The disease is not life-threatening if you do not get the virus. Symptoms of the infection will be mild and go away in a week. You should contact a healthcare provider if your child develops the symptoms of RSV. The healthcare provider will ask you about your child’s symptoms and health history. You should let him know if any of your children have recently had an illness or been sickened at school. The healthcare provider will also perform a physical exam. The child may also do some tests. A nasal wash or swab to check for the presence of the virus in the nasal wash.
A respiratory syncytial virus infection is usually the first infection your child will experience. The virus typically lasts about a week in babies but can last up to a few weeks for a more severe case. While it is not life-threatening, it can be dangerous. You should seek medical care if you notice any of these symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms of an RSV infection will last a week or two.
