What Is RSV? The Deadly Respiratory Virus You Need to Watch Out For—And How to Protect Yourself!

RSV, also known as the respiratory syncytial virus, causes a type of respiratory infection that produces cold-like symptoms. Even though people of all ages can be affected by the virus, babies, children under five, and older adults over 65 are at risk of developing the most serious form of RSV infection. This is a seasonal infection, and proper precautions are advised to avoid catching this illness, so let’s take a deep dive into the details.  

What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? 

The virus known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects the lungs, throat, and respiratory tracts of the infected. Droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze can transmit it, but you can also contract it by touching infected surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your fingers.   

RSV cannot survive on soft surfaces for long, but it may survive for many hours on hard surfaces like tables. RSV can affect people of any age, but it can be difficult for young children and elderly adults. Approximately 80% of children under the age of two who contract RSV do not show any risk factors, but the rest can fall into critical condition. RSV can cause severe illness in newborns, and hospitalization might be necessary despite the fact that in most cases it only presents mild, cold-like symptoms. 

The Most Common RSV Symptoms are Similar to Common Flu 

The typical RSV symptoms mimic those of an ordinary cold. Cough, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, sore throat, headache, lack of energy, fever, and a lack of appetite are the most common symptoms of RSV. These common cold symptoms are not usually present in infants under six months of age, and they may just appear fussy, agitated, less hungry, and exhibit alterations in their respiratory condition. Severe symptoms of RSV include breathing difficulties, rapid and shallow breathing, wheezing, noisy breathing as well as gray or blue skin tone.   

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is Highly Contagious  

Fall and spring are when RSV infections are most prevalent, however, they started sooner and persisted longer during the COVID-19 epidemic. RSV-caused respiratory diseases, including pneumonia or bronchiolitis, usually go away in a week or so, although certain symptoms, like a cough, might linger for weeks.  

The respiratory syncytial virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes because it spreads readily through the air by contaminated droplets. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, the virus-containing droplets are released into the air, and they can also reside on hands, clothes, and surfaces like doorknobs and worktops. Therefore, if someone touches contaminated surfaces, they might contract it. RSV may spread swiftly via childcare facilities and schools, and children frequently contract it and bring the virus home. By the time they are two years old, almost every child has experienced at least one RSV illness, and in turn, so have their caregivers.  

Who is at the Highest Risk from RSV?  

Although RSV infections are often not life-threatening, infants and older people are more likely to become critically sick. Individuals who are at highest risk of showing the worst symptoms are:  

• Children born prematurely 
• Infants less than six months 
• Tobacco users and infants exposed to tobacco smoke 
• Adults older than 75 years 
• Adults with compromised immune systems 
• Adults with chronic heart or lung diseases  

RSV frequently causes bronchiolitis, a kind of chest infection, in infants, and breathing issues may result from this, which require medical treatment. In infants and elderly people, RSV can potentially result in pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection. 

Testing is Necessary for RSV Diagnosis 

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and symptoms to determine whether you have RSV. They could take a swab sample of your mucus, check your lungs, and measure the oxygen level in your blood for diagnosis.   

Unless you or your kid exhibits severe RSV symptoms or high-risk factors, your doctor is unlikely to do an RSV test. If they decide to do so, they could use a cotton swab to collect a sample of nasal fluids.  

• Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)- This is one of two popular tests for RSV, and adults, kids, and newborns can all take this exam. 
• Antigen testing - This test is less sensitive to detect RSV in adults and is more appropriate for infants and kids. 
• Viral culture - Less often used RSV diagnostics include viral culture, which is typically reserved for research purposes. 
• At-home RSV test - An at-home RSV test is also available for purchase. You will swab the inside of your nose and submit it to a lab for analysis as part of this procedure, and the good news is this test is available without a prescription. 

Treatment Options for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection 

Since RSV is a virus and antibiotics primarily combat bacteria, they are not utilized for the treatment of this particular illness. What’s more, most respiratory syncytial virus infections are not severe enough to require medical attention. However, RSV infection in infants and young children can be dangerous, and some may require hospitalization for therapy, where they can get supportive care for dehydration or respiratory issues while being properly monitored. 

• At-Home Care
  Make yourself comfortable and take time to heal. Drink lots of water, but steer clear of steam and hot water humidifiers since they can cause skin burns and be dangerous. Clean your cool-mist humidifier every day to stop the formation of germs and mold. You may also use a nasal aspirator (or bulb syringe) to remove sticky nasal fluids and saline (saltwater) nose spray.
   
• Medication 
  Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to treat fever and general discomfort but remember, children with viral illnesses should not be given aspirin. Reye syndrome, which can be fatal, is associated with such usage. Over-the-counter cold remedies can also be harmful to young children, so avoid using them, however, adults can take them when needed. 

Using Preventative Methods is the Best Course of Action  

The following are the most effective strategies to stop RSV from spreading: 

• Steer clear of intimate contact with infected people 
• Cover sneezes and coughs  
• Refrain from touching the face, especially the lips, nose, and eyes without washing your hands 
• Hands should be often cleaned for at least 20 seconds with soap and water  
• Clean areas, such as door knobs, that are often touched by many people  

If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, see a doctor, and if advised by a medical practitioner, get vaccinated.  

Vaccines and Preventive Monoclonal Antibodies can Prevent RSV Infection 

It is advised that all individuals 75 years of age and older, as well as those between the ages of 60 and 74 with certain risk factors, receive a single dose of the RSV vaccination. To protect infants against severe RSV, two RSV vaccination alternatives are advised. The methods include an RSV antibody administered to the infant or a maternal RSV vaccine administered to the mother. 

Conclusion 

Seasonal viruses are difficult to manage, and sometimes an RSV infection cannot be avoided even with the most careful precautions. When they induce severe symptoms, things may become rather frightening, and in such cases, contact a doctor immediately. The good news is that medical professionals are ready to treat RSV should it worsen, and complications can be treated successfully. Doctors may ask you to go through tests to confirm you have contracted this virus.  

For an RSV test, contact Pathkind Labs and get the test done the same day without delay!