Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that most often it causes pneumonia and bronchiolitis at any age, and may cause complications in children under two years (especially babies) and the elderly.
Today we tell you everything you should know about this respiratory virus, the symptoms it presents, its form of infection and the preventive measures we can take to prevent our children from getting sick.
The virus responsible for bronchiolitis
This respiratory virus belongs to the Paramyxovirus family (to which measles and mumps viruses also belong), and can cause infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract, being a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia especially in infants and children of young age.
In Babies and more Bronchiolitis: the disease that is the most frequent cause of admission in children under two years oldIt has a marked seasonal nature, and in the countries of the northern hemisphere it occurs mainly in the winter months, between early November and mid-February.
According to data from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, it is estimated that in our country RSV infections cause between 15,000 and 20,000 pediatric emergency visits annually, and 7,000 to 14,000 hospitalizations. In addition, figure between 70 and 250 the number of children killed per year from this virus.
How is RSV spread?
RSV is a highly contagious virus because it can survive on non-porous surfaces for up to seven hours, being responsible for major epidemics, especially in schools and nurseries.When the infection occurs in infants who do not go to daycare, it is usual that the virus has been taken home by older siblings, after having contacted him in his respective school.
The route of infection is through the nasopharyngeal secretions of infected individuals, that is, through the drops of saliva that the sick person transmits when speaking, coughing or sneezing.
As in most cases, the gateway of this virus is the ocular conjunctiva and nasal and oral mucosa, so that contagion can also occur through hands or by touching contaminated objects (for example, light keys, door knobs, toys, surfaces ...).
The virus takes time to be eliminated through the secretions of the patients for three to eight days, or between three and four weeks in the case of infants, which makes it highly contagious. Not surprisingly, according to experts, More than 95 percent of children under two have ever had RSV.
What symptoms does it produce?
In older children and healthy adults, RSV infection may even be asymptomatic, or present only mild catarrhal symptoms, such as headache, nasal congestion and cough. However, in infants and very young children, as well as in immunosuppressed people, the infection can become very serious.
Among the symptoms of RSV infection in babies, the following stand out:
- Fever
- Wheezing, episodes of apnea or difficulty breathing (intercostal circulation, nasal flutter, rapid or agitated breathing)
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and inactivity
- Catarrhal symptoms such as cough, runny nose and nasal congestion
As we mentioned at the beginning, the VRS virus is responsible for 50 percent of bronchiolitis in children under one year of age, and 25 percent of pneumonia. Further, it can be especially serious in children with an allergic history, respiratory problems, premature babies, children with congenital heart disease and children with Down syndrome.
Is there a relationship between RSV and the future development of asthma?
According to some studies, infants who have suffered from bronchiolitis due to RSV virus, they are three times more likely to have asthma in the future, than the rest of the children.
In Babies and more Bronchiolitis increases the risk of developing asthma in childrenHow is RSV diagnosed?
Pediatricians usually diagnose a RSV infection by analyzing the patient's medical history and doing a physical examination, although in general, in healthy children it is not necessary to distinguish between a RSV infection or a common cold.
However, in risk groups or in infants under six months it may be necessary to have a specific diagnosis, which can be obtained with the analysis of nasal secretions collected with cotton buds or through the suction of gums introduced into the nose.
What treatment do patients infected with RSV receive?
Being a virus, RSV is not cured through the use of antibiotics. In most cases, nasal washes with physiological saline are sufficient, postural bedtime measures that help clear the airways, and analgesic treatment to improve symptoms and make the patient feel better.
In Babies and more How to cope with bronchiolitis at homeHowever, depending on the severity of the case, the child's age and medical history, other measures may be necessary that would go through:
- Hospital admission, especially in infants or children with any pathology
- Intravenous serum, to avoid possible dehydration if the child stops eating and drinking
- Supplemental oxygen, if saturation is low
- Specific drugs that help fight respiratory problems
Is there a vaccine against RSV?
As we have commented on occasion, the scientific community takes time looking to develop vaccines that decrease the number of RSV infections in children.
One of these vaccines, which is still in the first phase of development, would be aimed at babies, while the other would be administered to pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy, in order to create antibodies in the woman who protect the baby during the first months.
As we saw a few days ago, this last vaccine is currently the most developed, and could be available very soon.
In Babies and more The vaccine against bronchiolitis and pneumonia could be very closePreventive measures against RSV
Given the aggressiveness of this virus and the fast and easy way it spreads, prevention is very difficult, but we can always minimize risks if we carry out the following recommendations:
Wash our hands frequently and correctly, as well as instill in children this preventive habit. We must be especially cautious with hygiene if we are sick or in the care of sick people.
If you have a baby or a young child, avoid close contact with sick people, and if there are older siblings with catarrhal symptoms, try not to kiss the baby or share utensils such as glasses, cups or cutlery.
If you have catarrhal symptoms, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with your forearm or tissues. Remember to get rid after the handkerchief and wash your hands well.
In Babies and more 11 tips to prevent your children from catching a coldFrequently clean and disinfect surfaces and objects, especially if there are any sick people at home. Don't forget either ventilate your home daily.
If your child is ill, do not take him to school or daycare until he has recovered, to prevent him from infecting other classmates.
Choose breastfeeding whenever possible, because among its many benefits for the baby stands out its protection against respiratory diseases.
Do not smoke during pregnancy or surround yourself with smokers, according to the latest studies, 40 percent of babies admitted for bronchiolitis were passive smokers while they were pregnant in their mothers' womb.
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