RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common, highly contagious virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract spread by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms are usually mild and similar to the common cold for adults and older, healthy children. Babies under 12 months, the immune-compromised, and those with heart or lung disease are at a greater risk of severe infection. Until the end of November RSV was running rampant all over the U.S. with it now being highly problematic in only some parts.
Transmission
The easy transmission of RSV takes a spotlight in the realm of viruses and is a concern for vulnerable age groups. RSV is transmitted by coming into contact with droplets from the nose or throat. These droplets can live on surfaces for a few hours and thus be easily spread between children in social environments.RSV begins with cold-like symptoms such as congestion, fever, and a mild cough. In compromised individuals, it can lead to a more serious lung infection. While most people move through this virus with little trouble, it can be particularly serious for infants. Severe symptoms include rapid or labored breathing, gasping for breath, flared nostrils, lethargy, irritability, or caving of the chest muscles when breathing. These symptoms indicate the child is working very hard to breathe and a doctor should be seen immediately.
