A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract of infants, children, and adults.
People with either a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, are more likely to contract this virus and suffer more serious complications.
RSV is a "common cold" virus, meaning that it usually goes away on its own. However, it can be dangerous to infants and people with respiratory conditions. It is one of the most common viruses to cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children.
The most common symptoms of RSV infection are:
Other symptoms include:
RSV can be a serious infection in infants, young children, older adults, and adults with a compromised immune system. It can also lead to pneumonia and other respiratory infections, or even death if not properly treated.
RSV is a respiratory virus with flu-like symptoms. It is highly transmissible to healthy children, adults, and older adults through exposure to an infected person.
The diagnosis of RSV in children and adults involves physical examination and laboratory tests. Signs and symptoms are not enough to diagnose or rule out the presence of the virus.
Because other kinds of bacterial, viral, or respiratory infections have similar symptoms, lab tests should be conducted to identify the specific type of infection.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common lower respiratory tract infection of infants and children.
RSV infection leads to inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, which can cause life-threatening complications.
Infants and children at risk of RSV include the following:
For infants and children with mild symptoms, prescribed medications can prevent the condition from worsening.
However, for those with severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Oxygen and ventilators are also needed for special cases in which breathing support is provided.
Adults usually have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic after contracting RSV.
The symptoms of fever, headache, cough and fatigue are often mistaken for common colds. With proper medication and care, these symptoms eventually last for a couple of days.
In some cases, adults can still get infected and develop severe symptoms, especially those individuals who are considered at high-risk of RSV.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is spread through droplets produced by coughing and sneezing, so it is possible to catch the virus when you get into close contact with an infected person.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains how RSV is transmitted from one person to another.
There is no cure for RSV. The symptoms are usually mild and last for a few days. Others may have stronger immunity against the virus that helps them recover faster.
However, RSV can be serious in people with chronic lung disease or children and older adults who have weaker immune systems. Nevertheless, symptoms can be manageable in many ways to prevent the worsening of the condition.
Preventive measures lower your risk of transmitting and contracting the virus. Adhering to basic health standards even when catching a flu is important.
To prevent RSV from spreading, here are some useful reminders:
Santos Research Center has been conducting further studies to find the best treatment for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
If you are interested in participating in our clinical trial for RSV in Tampa, contact us at (813) 249-9100 or visit www.santosresearch.com.
Santos Research Center, Corp. is a research facility conducting paid clinical trials, in partnership with major pharmaceutical companies & CROs. We work with patients from across the Tampa Bay area.