Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): What You Need to Know

Apr 01, 2023

Recognizing the Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system, particularly in young children and elderly people. In this blog, we will explore the signs and symptoms of RSV, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Signs and Symptoms

RSV typically presents with mild, cold-like symptoms that can progress to more severe respiratory issues, especially in infants, young children, and the elderly (1). Common symptoms include:

Runny nose
Cough
Fever
Wheezing

In more severe cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, or pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs (2).

Elderly individuals may experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a high fever, which may require hospitalization (3). If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Photo credit: US CDC.

Diagnosis

RSV is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. In some cases, a healthcare professional may collect a nasal or throat swab to confirm the presence of RSV through a laboratory test (4).

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV. In most cases, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care, such as:

Rest
Drinking plenty of fluids
Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (5)

In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, or other supportive care (6).

Prevention

To reduce the risk of RSV infection, follow these simple steps:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (7).
Avoid close contact with individuals who have cold-like symptoms.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly (8).

There is currently no approved vaccine for RSV; however, researchers are actively working on developing one (9). Some RSV vaccines are now being evaluated in controlled, clinical trials.

Conclusion

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious complications, especially in the elderly population. Recognizing the signs and symptoms, seeking appropriate medical care, and practicing good hygiene can help prevent and manage RSV infections.

References:

Hall CB, Weinberg GA, Iwane MK, et al. The Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Young Children. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(6):588-598.
American Lung Association. (2020). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv
Falsey AR, Hennessey PA, Formica MA, Cox C, Walsh EE. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Elderly and High-Risk Adults. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(17):1749-1759.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353098
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=RSV-Bronchiolitis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection: Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html
Anderson LJ, Dormitzer PR, Nokes DJ, Rappuoli R, Roca A, Graham BS. Strategic priorities for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine development. Vaccine. 2013;31 Suppl 2:B209-B215.

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