Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of pneumonia in infants under 1 year old. The symptoms of RSV often resemble those of a cold such as a fever, runny nose, cough and wheezing. Signs of more serious illness include difficult or rapid breathing, wheezing, irritability, restlessness, and poor appetite. Most children recover in 8 to 15 days without treatment but between 0.5% and 2% will require hospitalization. Those hospitalized are usually under 6 months old. Premature infants and infants younger than 6 weeks old are at greatest risk of serious illness. Long-term complications of RSV can include repeated respiratory tract infections throughout life.

RSV is spread through close contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces. Infection can occur when contaminated respiratory secretions contact mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose. The virus can live for several hours on surfaces such as countertops, clothing and unwashed hands. RSV infections usually occur during annual community outbreaks usually lasting 4 to 6 months during the late fall, winter, or early spring. The timing and severity of outbreaks in a community vary from year to year. Most illness occurs between November and April. RSV spreads efficiently among children during the annual outbreaks. Infants often get RSV when school-aged kids carry the virus home from school and pass it on. School-aged children with cold symptoms should be kept away from younger siblings. Most children will have been exposed to RSV by age 2. Nasal secretions are usually used to diagnose RSV infection.

Treatment in mild disease is aimed at relieving symptoms such as acetaminophen for fever. Children with serious illness require oxygen and sometimes even ventilation.

Research is aimed at developing a vaccine but there isn't one yet. The best prevention measures include frequent hand washing and avoiding sharing cups, glasses and utensils. RSV is spread during the early stages of the disease before symptoms are exhibited, making control of outbreaks difficult.

Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/rsvfeat.htm.

TAOS PHARMACY HAS FLU VACCINE IN STOCK. WE CAN ADMINISTER FLU AND OTHER VACCINES WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S ORDER. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR VACCINATION!

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]