Usually, this common infection resolves on its own without causing any serious consequences.
RSV is the most common cause of inflammation in the small airways of the lungs and pneumonia in babies.
Its so common, most children get the virus by age 2.
Branimir76 / Getty Images
Branimir76 / Getty Images
What Are the First Signs of RSV?
It can be transmitted to children and adults who have been around other people with RSV infection.
Some people may experience a few lingering symptoms for longer than that.
Children can also show other signs of RSV that parents may notice.
Symptoms in Severe Cases
In general, RSV is anupper respiratory tract infection.
This means that it affects the sinuses, nasal passages and throat without spreading down into the lungs.
If this happens, you may need medical care in the hospital.
Complications of RSV can include:
Complications of RSV infection are rare.
How Do You Know It’s RSV?
Most of the time,RSV is diagnosed based on symptoms.
Sometimes laboratory testing is done to identify the virus.
This can include a viral culture, antigen test, or real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).
How RSV Is Treated?
In general,treatment for RSVis symptomatic.
If complications occur, then medical management in a hospital is necessary.
This includes having your blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate,oxygen saturation, and blood tests checked.
It’s important to take time to rest.
This means staying home from work or school, taking it easy, and sleeping if you oughta.
Your infection should clear up within a few days, or up to two weeks.
If you have any concerns about your symptoms or your childs symptoms, you should call your healthcare provider.
They will advise you regarding treatment, making an appointment, or getting emergency care.
Certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency.
If you have any of these symptoms, you will need to have prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
You should call 911 or go to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room.
Summary
RSV is a common viral respiratory infection that causes symptoms of a typical cold.
you’ve got the option to expect symptoms to get better a few days after they begin.
Sometimes, mild, lingering symptoms can last up to a few weeks.
Symptoms of complications can include a stiff neck, fever, coughing up blood, or diminished responsiveness.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms seem to be getting worse or lingering for longer than expected.
If you develop shortness of breath or signs of serious complications, getting prompt medical attention is important.
2022;95(2):293-300.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of RSV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnostic testing for RSV.
2022;58(10):1741-1746. doi:10.1111/jpc.16197
