Respiratory syncytial virus, also called RSV, causes infections of the nose, throat and breathing passages including the lungs.respiratory syncytial It’s so common that most children have been infected with it by age 2. RSV can be serious for some people, especially babies 12 months and younger (infants), older adults, and those who are immunocompromised. A vaccine can help reduce the risk of serious infection from RSV.
Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus usually start in the nose, throat or chest and can include runny nose, cough, fever, headache, sore throat, sneezing, nasal discharge, or lack of appetite.respiratory syncytial The symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. The illness usually lasts a week or two, then gets better by itself. Symptoms can be severe in infants and some older people, and they may require hospitalization.
Infections from RSV can lead to pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs’ airways (bronchiolitis) in infants, and this can cause breathing problems and need to be treated in hospital.respiratory syncytial Severe lung inflammation can also happen in older adults, and it’s more likely to happen in those who are weakened from disease or treatment, such as cancer or chemotherapy.
The virus is transmitted by close contact with an infected person, such as sharing food or water with someone who has RSV or by touching a contaminated object and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can also spread through saliva, mucus or sneezes.
RSV can infect all ages, but it’s more common and serious for young children, and it often happens from the late fall through spring. Babies 12 months and younger, and older adults with a chronic heart or lung disease, are at the highest risk of having a severe illness from the virus.
An antigen test can be done to diagnose RSV. This is a lab test that tests for the presence of the virus in your body. It’s a simple, painless test that can be performed in your doctor’s office or at home with an at-home kit. The antigen test is best for children, and it’s not as sensitive in adults. The kit includes a special swab to use to swab the inside of your nostril and a small device that reads the results. You can buy these kits at drugstores and online. This method is not recommended for pregnant women, since it can lead to false positive test results. A more accurate way to diagnose RSV in adults is with a blood or urine sample. Your health care provider will order these tests if you think you might have RSV. Then your provider will discuss your treatment options with you. Most cases of RSV are mild and go away on their own.