Is RSV Fatal in Infants? Respiratory Syncytial Virus Causes Infections in Lungs, Respiratory Tract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and respiratory tract. Season for this virus typically starts in fall and goes up during winter.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is an extremely common virus that most children already get infected with when they reach the age 2. The virus can also spread to adults,

Among adults and healthy and older children, symptoms of the virus are typically mild. In most cases, symptoms are strikingly similar to the common cold. These signs and symptoms typically surface after four to six days post-exposure. Symptoms include dry cough, runny or congested nose, low-grade fever, sneezing, headache, and sore throat. In such instances, all that it takes to relieve symptoms would be some self-care measures.

RSV's entry points are the eyes, mouth, and nose. It easily spreads in the air on droplets that are infected. Infection may be transmitted when one is exposed to the sneeze or cough of a person with RSV, but it can also be passed through direct contact.

Severe RSV Cases Could Be Life-Threatening For Infants

The virus can also lead to severe infection among babies who are 12 months old and younger. This is especially true among premature infants and even the elderly, those with lung and heart disease, and anyone who has weak immunity.

In these severe cases among high-risk babies, the infection could reach the lower respiratory tract and cause bronchitis or pneumonia. This could end up becoming life-threatening. RSV infection as a baby is also linked to asthma during later childhood.

When it comes to severe and life-threatening cases, hospitalization may be necessary. In fact, two or three of 100 infants who get infected with RSV may need hospitalization. Those infants who get hospitalized may need IV fluids, oxygen, and mechanical ventilation. In most cases, this supportive care would remarkably improve their state and allow them to get discharged in a couple of days.

Signs of RSV in Young Infants

Infants who get infected with RSV almost always exhibit symptoms. Their condition is different from that of adults, who may get infected yet be asymptomatic.

Among very young infants who are less than six months old, RSV infection symptoms could include decreased activity, irritability, drinking or eating less, or apnea, which refers to breathing pauses that last over 10 seconds. Fever is not always present in RSV infections among these young infants.

If the baby exhibits breathing difficulties, is not drinking sufficient fluids, or is exhibiting worsening symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary.

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