Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis among children up to 1 year of age.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Most frequently, illness begins with runny nose, cough, fever and possibly wheezing. During a child’s first RSV infection, up to 40% of infants and young children have signs or symptoms of pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Few, however, require hospitalization. The bulk of children hospitalized for RSV are typically under 6 months of age. In fact, most children will recover from their first bout with the illness in approximately one to two weeks.

What about subsequent RSV infections?

Repeated infections caused by RSV are typically associated with moderate-to-severe cold-like symptoms. In some cases, however, severe lower respiratory tract disease may occur. This may occur at any age, but is most prevalent among those with weakened immune, cardiac, or pulmonary systems, and the elderly.

How is RSV treated?

Typically, no specific treatment is necessary other than the treatment of symptoms for children with mild levels of the disease. In children with severe disease, oxygen therapy and at times mechanical ventilation may be necessary. In some cases of severe infection, Ribavirin aerosol may be used. Patients with compromised immune systems or the elderly may require more extensive treatment options.

How is RSV Spread?

RSV is spread from the transfer of respiratory secretions from an individual infected with RSV. Usually this occurs through close contact with an infected person or though contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. RSV spreads swiftly among children during annual community outbreaks, which may last 4 to 6 months during the late fall, winter, or early spring months.
Infection itself can occur when the virus contacts mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, or through the inhalation of droplets generated by a sneeze or cough. These are the most common ways by which infectious materials may enter the body.

How can I be certain it’s RSV?

RSV can be identified. Most clinical laboratories use antigen detection assays to diagnose infection, however, diagnosis of the virus infection can be made in several ways:

• By virus isolation
• Detection of viral antigens
• Detection of viral RNA
• Demonstration of a rise in serum antibodies
• A combination of these methods

How can I prevent RSV infection?

The spread of virus to others can be decreased through frequent hand washing and not sharing items such as cups, glasses, and utensils with people who have RSV illness.
In a health care facility setting, contact precautions such as hand washing and wearing gowns and gloves should help prevent RSV transmission. At the current time, there is no available RSV vaccine, but development of an RSV vaccine is a high priority to researchers.

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