Respiratory syncytial virus is a microorganism that causes respiratory tract infection, reaching children and adults, however babies younger than 6 months, premature, who have chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease are more likely to get this infection.
Symptoms depend on a person’s age and health, with runny nose, cough, shortness of breath and fever. Diagnosis may be made by a family doctor or pediatrician after checking symptoms and after testing respiratory secretions. The virus usually goes away after 6 days and treatment is based on the application of a saline solution to the nostrils and medicines to reduce fever.
- However.
- If the child or baby has purple fingers and mouth.
- The ribs stick out when inhaling and experience a shipwreck in the area below the throat when breathing.
- It is necessary to consult a doctor quickly.
Respiratory syncytial virus affects the airways and causes the following symptoms:
In children, these symptoms tend to be stronger and if, in addition, there are signs such as sinking the area below the throat, enlargement of the nostrils when breathing, fingers and lips are purple and if the ribs stick out when the child inhales, it is necessary to consult a doctor. quickly, as this may be a sign that the infection has reached the lung and caused bronchiolitis. Learn more about bronchiolitis and how to treat it.
Respiratory syncytial virus is transmitted from person to person through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as phlegm, sneezing droplets, and saliva, meaning the infection occurs when the virus reaches the lining of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
This virus can also survive on surfaces of materials, such as glass and cutlery, for up to 24 hours, so touching these objects can also become infected. After a person’s contact with the virus, the incubation period is 4 to 5 days, i.e. symptoms will be felt after these days.
However, syncytial virus infection has a seasonal feature, which is most often occurring in winter, because during this period, people tend to stay longer in and out of spring due to drier weather and low humidity. .
Diagnosis of the infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus is made by a doctor by evaluating symptoms, but additional tests may be requested for confirmation. Some of these tests may be blood samples, to check if the body’s defense cells are too high and, mainly, respiratory secretion samples.
The test for respiratory secretions is usually a quick test and is done by inserting a tampon into your nose, which looks like a tampon, to identify the presence of the respiratory syncytial virus. If the person is in a hospital or clinic and the result is positive for the virus, precautionary measures such as the use of masks, aprons and disposable gloves will be taken for any procedure.
Treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infection is usually based solely on supportive measures, such as applying a saline solution to the nostrils, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy diet, as the virus tends to disappear after 6 days.
However, if the symptoms are very strong and the person has a high fever, a doctor should be consulted, who may prescribe antipyretics, corticosteroids or bronchodilators. Respiratory physiotherapy sessions may also be indicated to help remove secretions from the lungs. Learn more about respiratory physiotherapy.
In addition, respiratory syncytial virus infection usually causes bronchiolitis in children younger than one year old and requires hospital admission for intravenous medication administration, inhalations and oxygen support.
Preventing respiratory syncytial virus infection can be done with hygiene measures, such as hand washing and alcohol geling and avoiding indoor and congested environments during winter.
As this virus can cause bronchiolitis in infants, it is necessary to take certain precautions such as not exposing the child to cigarettes, maintaining breastfeeding to strengthen immunity and avoiding leaving the child in contact with people with influenza. In some cases, in premature babies with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, the pediatrician may indicate the application of a type of vaccine, called palivizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody that helps stimulate the baby’s defense cells.
Here are some tips for washing your hands properly: