According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) affects an estimated 64 million children and adults worldwide and causes 160,000 deaths annually. Each year in the United States, RSV leads to on average approximately 58,000 hospitalizations with 100-500 deaths. And, among children younger than 5 years old, it led to 177,000 hospitalizations with 14,000 deaths among adults aged 65 years or older.
BY: GUY JABBAR
Respiratory Syncytial Virus may appear as a flu, or COVID-like symptoms. And currently, this contagious infectious virus continues to rise in local areas all around the country. However, reports from the CDC and other U.S. health organizations warn residents on how to stay healthy during these trying uncertain times.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
According to leading health experts, RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.
RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, which enters the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth and spreads via infected droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing of an infected person or direct contact with an infected person, such as handshakes.
HEALTHCARE OFFICIAL’S REPORTS
The risks are high among children less than age 2 years, premature infants, children with weak immune systems, children in crowded child care centers.
It becomes riskier for adults with asthma or other lung and heart diseases, and persons with weak immune systems.
RSV can cause mild flu-like symptoms in older children and adults, such as stuffy and runny nose, mild headache, mild cough, mild fever, loss of appetite, and sore throat.
Severe symptoms in children and a weakened immune system may include: discoloration of skin, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing, severe cough, and fever.
If you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
Can Pets Get RSV?
WARNING: PET OWNERS! According to veterinarian professionals, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not transmissible between humans and pets. However, there are some cat and dog specific-ailments that present similarly to RSV.
NOTE: If your pet has been showing symptoms, they may have their own version of a respiratory infection.
What Happens When RSV is not Treated?
What happens if RSV is left untreated? If left untreated, RSV can cause tissue or organ damage that lasts after the infection has passed. Sometimes this damage may be long lasting or—even permanent.
RSV may cause damage to your lungs, airways, or heart that’s long lasting or permanent.
This infection tends to cause more severe symptoms in babies and toddlers, but adults are also more vulnerable to severe effects as well.
In some cases, RSV may cause tissue and organ damage that lasts for several weeks, months, or longer after the infection has passed.
However, although more research is needed, it may raise your risk of chronic lung and heart disease. So, if you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.
How to Treat RSV Infection?
RSV treatment generally involves supportive care to manage the signs and symptoms. Mild cases resolve without treatment.
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, and others) to reduce fever.
REMEMBER: Never give aspirin to a child! Use of nasal saline drops, and suctioning may help clear a stuffy nose.
ALSO KNOW: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there’s a bacterial complication, such as “bacterial pneumonia.” So, keep your child as comfortable as possible.
ALSO REMEMBER: Offer your child plenty of fluids and watch for signs of loss of body fluids (dehydration), such as dry mouth, little to no urine output, sunken eyes, and extreme fussiness or sleepiness.
If the RSV infection is severe, a hospital stay may be necessary. Treatments at the hospital may include intravenous (IV) fluids, humidified oxygen, and a breathing machine (mechanical ventilation).
And in some rare cases, Inhalers (bronchodilator) or steroids are not proven to be helpful in treating RSV infection.
Bottom Line
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is on the rise, as reported by healthcare providers and advisors. However, doctors who treat RSV agree that there are preventative steps to protect you and your family to avoid this infectious virus.
These steps may be as simple as maintaining good hand washing and sanitizing practices, and simply you just staying home when you’re sick to prevent the spread of this contagious germ.
So, if your RSV sickness worsens, and you’re experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
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