Does your little one get this cold too? Let's learn about RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)!

Sometimes you might think that all these little kids have the same cold, right? Well, RSV is a respiratory illness that starts like a cold and can sometimes be a little more serious. RSV is the short name for the virus called `Respiratory Syncytial Virus`. This is the germ that causes RSV. The amazing thing is that almost all of us have had it at least once before the age of two. However, the protection that comes from having it once, that is, immunity, does not last forever. Therefore, it is possible to get it again and again.

Is RSV more common than we think?

Yes, RSV is a much more common condition than we think. We often hear about babies getting RSV and getting serious. But, it can actually happen to adults, as well as children of any age. Very young babies, meaning babies who are a few months old, can be a little more difficult to get. That's because their immune systems aren't fully developed yet. And their airways are very small. So they're more likely to get inflammation.

Just think, you can get RSV several times in your lifetime. Sometimes you can get it twice in the same year! For adults, it often comes on like a common cold. However, people over 65 years old, those with weakened immune systems, or those who are less able to fight off illness, are at higher risk of getting seriously ill.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Okay, now let's look at what symptoms you might experience when you get RSV. Some of these may sound familiar to you.

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• The sensation of very young babies stopping breathing
• Runny or stuffy nose (either a runny nose or a stuffy nose)
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Appetite

In infants and young children, these symptoms may look a little different. They may be unusually fussy or irritable, crying a lot , or not as interested in playing as they used to be. If your child is under a year old and has these RSV symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

The most important thing is that if you or your child have severe symptoms, you should go to a hospital emergency department immediately.

What are these severe symptoms?

Let's see what are the symptoms that are severe enough to require an emergency hospital visit:

• Shortness of breath, feeling like you are suffocating
• Wheezing or other unusual noises when breathing .
• A blue or gray color to the skin, lips, or fingernails. This means that the body is not getting enough oxygen.
• When the baby breathes, the skin between the ribs in the chest seems to pull in. We call this `(retractions)`.
• Flaring is when the nostrils seem to get bigger when you breathe.
• Breathing is very short, shallow, rapid, or there are long pauses between breaths.

What causes RSV? How is it transmitted?

RSV is caused by a virus called Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is not a bacterial disease. Therefore, it cannot usually be cured with antibiotics.

Now let's see how this spreads from person to person:

• By having close contact with someone who has the disease (for example, touching or kissing a sick person).
• Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can become airborne and can be inhaled by someone nearby, causing the disease.
• By touching objects that have the virus on them and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with the same hand. Think about it, toys, tabletops, doorknobs, phones, and other objects can be contaminated with this virus.

Is RSV contagious? How long can it be contagious?

Yes, RSV is a highly contagious illness. You can spread it to others as long as you have symptoms – which is usually three to eight days . The RSV virus spreads very quickly from person to person. The virus can survive on hard surfaces like tables for several hours.

Just think, you can spread RSV to someone else as early as a day or two after you start having symptoms. That's before you even get sick! Young babies and people with weakened immune systems can spread it to others for up to four weeks after symptoms have gone away .

What complications can occur due to RSV?

Although RSV sometimes goes away on its own, some people can develop complications that cause difficulty breathing. Here are some of them:

• Bronchitis: This is inflammation of the large airways leading to the lungs.
• Pneumonia: You may have heard of this. It is an infection that affects the lungs.
• Bronchiolitis: This is the inflammation of the very small airways in the lungs of young babies. This is the most common complication of RSV in babies.
• Exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions. For example, if someone has asthma, congestive heart failure, or chronic lung disease such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), RSV can make those conditions worse.
• Respiratory failure: This means that the lungs are unable to function properly.
• Hypoxia, or decreased oxygen levels in the body.
• Dehydration: This is when the body loses too much water. This can be caused by things like fever and loss of appetite.
• Ear infections

Who is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with RSV?

As mentioned earlier, although everyone can get RSV, some people are more likely to become seriously ill from it.

• Preterm babies and children under 2 years of age are at higher risk because their airways are very small and can easily become blocked.
• People over 65 years old.
• People with weakened immune systems (for example, those undergoing cancer treatment, those with HIV, or those with other weakened immune systems).
• People with heart disease. This includes congenital heart disease.
• People with chronic lung diseases like asthma.

How do doctors diagnose RSV?

If you or your child has symptoms of RSV, a doctor will usually take a sample from your nose. They will use a soft, cotton-tipped swab to do this. The sample is sent to a lab to be tested for the RSV virus.

Sometimes, a chest X-ray may be done to check for complications such as pneumonia.

How is RSV treated?

In fact, there is no specific treatment for the RSV virus itself. That is, there is no specific medicine to kill this virus. Treatment is mainly aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing complications.

If you or your child has a severe case of RSV, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. In the hospital, doctors and nurses will help you recover. They may do things like:

• Oxygen therapy: Give the body more oxygen.
• Giving fluids through an IV: Prevent dehydration.
• If breathing is too difficult, connect to an artificial respiration machine (Mechanical ventilation / ventilator).

The most important thing is that because RSV is a virus, it cannot be cured with antibiotics. Antibiotics are only given for bacterial infections.

When should I see a doctor?

It's not always necessary to see a doctor even if you have symptoms of RSV. However, in some cases, it's definitely worth seeking medical advice.

For a child, see a pediatrician at these times:

• If your child is under 12 months (one year) and has symptoms of RSV.
• If the child has any of the following symptoms:
• If the fever is higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) (this is especially true for babies under 3 months old).
• If a child of any age has a fever above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
• If symptoms do not improve after a week, or if they get worse.
• If there is discharge coming from the ear, or if the child is constantly touching their ear (these could be signs of an ear infection).
• If you have difficulty breathing or a severe cough.
• If you hear wheezing or other unusual sounds while breathing.

If you are an adult, see a doctor if:

Adults can often manage RSV symptoms at home. However, if you have symptoms and any of the following apply to you, see a doctor:

• If you are over 65 years old.
• If your immune system is weak.
• If you have heart disease or lung disease.

Your doctor will tell you if you need to come in for a check-up, or what serious symptoms to watch out for.

When should you go to an emergency department (ETU) ?

This is very important. If you or your child has any of the severe RSV symptoms mentioned above, go to a hospital emergency room right away. Remember those symptoms? Severe difficulty breathing – such as wheezing, flaring nostrils, chest retractions, or a blue/gray color to the skin.

How long can RSV last?

RSV usually lasts about a week or two. However, sometimes the cough can last for a few more days. If RSV is severe, it can last longer.

What can you do at home to find relief?

If you have mild symptoms, you can find relief by doing these things at home:

• Using a cool-mist humidifier: This can make breathing easier.
• Using a nasal saline spray: This can help reduce coughing and nasal congestion.
• Suctioning helps to remove mucus from a baby's nose. It's very difficult for a baby to have a stuffy nose. There are devices that look like small tubes for this.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Things like water, soup, and fruit juice are good.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers can be purchased at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. For example, paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (ibuprofen).

But, remember, before using any medicine, especially when giving it to children, you should definitely consult your doctor or pediatrician.

Are there ways to protect yourself from RSV?

Yes, although RSV cannot be completely avoided, there are several things we can do to protect ourselves from it.

Babies up to 8 months old and some young children who are at high risk can get protection with a vaccine called monoclonal antibody immunization. This gives their bodies antibodies that help fight off an RSV infection. This is not exactly a vaccine, but it does provide protection.

RSV vaccines are now available for pregnant women and adults over 75 (or over 60 with certain health conditions). Talk to your doctor about what is best for you and your family.

In addition to these things, there are a few simple things we can do every day to stay safe from RSV:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly. Especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and before preparing food.
• Reduce exposure to germs. Avoid taking young children to crowded places, especially during cold and flu season. Avoid letting them play with or be in close contact with sick children.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as toys, tables, and doorknobs with disinfectant.

Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)

RSV is a disease that sometimes comes and goes like a common cold, but at other times can be more serious. The most important thing is to always be on the lookout for serious symptoms. If you or your child feel anything unusual – even if you think it’s just a cold – don’t hesitate to call a doctor or go to the emergency room. This can help prevent a lot of trouble. Stay safe everyone!

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