Respiratory syncytial virus: what it is, symptoms and treatment

The respiratory syncytial virus is a microorganism that causes infection of the respiratory tract and can reach children and adults, however, babies under 6 months, premature, who suffer from some chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease are more likely to acquire this infection.

Symptoms depend on the person's age and health conditions, with a runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing and fever. The diagnosis can be made by a general practitioner or pediatrician after checking the symptoms and after carrying out tests to analyze respiratory secretions. Usually, the virus disappears after 6 days and treatment is based on the application of saline solution in the nostrils and medicines to reduce fever.

However, if the child or baby has purplish fingers and mouth, have the ribs protruding when inhaling and present a sinking in the region below the throat when breathing it is necessary to seek medical attention quickly.

Main symptoms

The respiratory syncytial virus reaches the airways and leads to the following symptoms:

• stuffy nose; runny nose; cough; difficulty breathing; wheezing when breathing in; fever.

In children, these symptoms tend to be stronger and if, in addition, signs such as sinking of the region below the throat, enlargement of the nostrils when breathing, fingers and lips are purple and if the ribs protrude when the child inhales it is necessary to seek medical attention quickly, as this may be a sign that the infection has reached the lung and caused bronchiolitis. Learn more about bronchiolitis and how to treat it.

How it is transmitted

The respiratory syncytial virus is transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as phlegm, droplets from sneezing and saliva, this means that the infection happens when this virus reaches the lining of the mouth, nose and eyes.

This virus can also survive on material surfaces, such as glass and cutlery, for up to 24 hours, so by touching these objects it can also become infected. After a person's contact with the virus, the incubation period is 4 to 5 days, that is, the symptoms will be felt after those days pass.

And yet, the infection by the syncytial virus has a seasonal characteristic, that is, it occurs more frequently in the winter, because in this period people tend to stay longer indoors, and in the beginning of spring, because of the drier weather and low humidity..

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of infection caused by the respiratory syncytial virus is made by a doctor through the evaluation of symptoms, but additional tests may be requested for confirmation. Some of these tests can be blood samples, to check if the body's defense cells are too high and, mainly, samples of respiratory secretions.

The test to analyze respiratory secretions is usually a quick test, and is done by introducing a swab into the nose, which looks like a swab, in order to identify the presence of the respiratory syncytial virus. If the person is in a hospital or clinic and the result is positive for the virus, precautionary measures will be taken, such as the use of disposable masks, aprons and gloves for any procedure.

Treatment options

Treatment for respiratory syncytial virus infection is generally based only on supportive measures, such as applying saline to the nostrils, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet, as the virus tends to disappear after 6 days.

However, if the symptoms are very strong and if the person has a high fever, a doctor should be consulted, who may prescribe antipyretic drugs, corticosteroids or bronchodilators. Respiratory physiotherapy sessions may also be indicated to help eliminate secretions from the lungs. Learn more what respiratory physiotherapy is for.

In addition, infection of the respiratory syncytial virus often causes bronchiolitis in children under 1 year of age and requires admission to a hospital, in order to make medications in the vein, inhalations and oxygen support.

How to prevent respiratory syncytial virus

The prevention of infection by the respiratory syncytial virus can be done with hygiene measures, such as washing hands and applying alcohol gel and avoiding indoor and crowded environments during the winter.

As this virus can cause bronchiolitis in babies, it is necessary to take some precautions such as not exposing the child to cigarettes, maintaining breastfeeding to strengthen immunity and avoid leaving the child in contact with people who have the flu. In some cases, in premature babies, with chronic lung disease or with congenital heart disease, the pediatrician may indicate the application of a kind of vaccine, called palivizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody that helps to stimulate the baby's defense cells.

Here are tips on how to wash your hands properly: