RSV stands for the respiratory syncytial virus, a virus that commonly causes respiratory tract infections, especially in infants and young children.
RSV positive means a respiratory syncytial virus infection is present. Most children will have an RSV infection by their second birthday because it's very common and contagious.
The virus usually causes a mild cold in healthy children. However, RSV can cause serious illness in infants and older adults.
What Are Symptoms of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)?
Symptoms of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are similar to mild cold symptoms and include:
- Fever
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Decreased appetite
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Earache
Additional symptoms of RSV in infants may include:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Decreased activity
- Breathing difficulties such as short, shallow, or rapid breathing
- Poor feeding
What Causes RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)?
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infection is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract.
Risk factors for contracting respiratory syncytial virus include:
- Infants and children who spend time in places with a lot of people such as daycare or parks
- Older infected children can spread the virus to younger siblings
- Older adults who live in nursing homes or other group settings
- Sharing contaminated food
- Touching contaminated objects and not washing hands before touching your face
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- People who have Down syndrome
- Living at altitudes greater than 8,200 feet
What Is the Treatment for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)?
Mild to moderate RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections may only need home care to relieve symptoms.
Home remedies can help relieve symptoms of RSV, such as:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water or sports drinks
- Use saline nasal drops to help lubricate nasal passages
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air
- Elevate the head the bed to help drain nasal secretions
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or aspirin
- Do not give children or teenagers aspirin as it could cause a serious condition called Reye syndrome
- Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
Antibiotics are not used to treat RSV because it is a virus and antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection (such as pneumonia) develops.
In severe cases, if bronchiolitis develops, hospitalization may be needed and treatment may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration
- Suctioning of mucus
- Supplemental oxygen
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