RSV infection occurs most commonly from December through March.
If a young child has symptoms, it’s best to get them evaluated.
This may then be soon followed by sneezing and a fever.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Very young infants may become irritable or less active than usual as their only symptom.
Severe symptoms of RSV may develop one to three days after the cold symptoms begin.
Direct contact, such as kissing a child with RSV, can spread the virus as well.
Diagnosis
Thediagnosis of RSVis made by a medical history and physical examination.
They will also ask about underlying health problems like a history of heart or lung disease or prematurity.
They will check for wheezing, nasal flaring, an increased breathing rate, and/or lowoxygen saturation.
For infants and children, the rapid antigen test is often used.
This test involves taking a swab of nasal secretions from the child’s nose.
Results are usually back within thirty minutes to an hour.
For older children and adults, the rapid antigen test is not as sensitive for detecting the RSV antigen.
So a test called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used.
This test also involves taking a swab of nasal secretions.
Treatment
There is no medication to cure RSV.
However, for some people, especially babies, the breathing difficulties that result from RSV require hospitalization.
Hospital Care
In the hospital, close monitoring of oxygen levels is necessary.
Also, stay away from those who are at high risk for a severe RSV illness.
All are given as a one-time injection.
It’s also recommended for adults over 60 who are at increased risk for a severe infection.
This would help protect the baby after birth during their first RSV season.
Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk.
Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
The antibody injection works differently than a vaccine but provides similar protection.
However, the antibody is not necessary if the mother received an RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Note, however, that the antibody cannot be used to treat an infant with an RSV infection.
It is very common among young children.
People who are vulnerable to severe respiratory infections can develop pneumonia, bronchitis, or bronchiolitis from RSV.
Yes, adults can get RSV.
Yes, this infection is highly contagious.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of RSV.
2022 Dec 2;9:2333794X221138437.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for older adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.
