Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Children
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a virus that frequently causes respiratory illnesses in children. Generally, it causes a cold that can lead to bronchiolitis or even pneumonia. It is common for it to appear in the winter months, or in late fall or early spring.
What is respiratory syncytial virus?
Respiratory syncytial virus is an RNA virus, of the Paramyxoviridae family and of the Pneumovirus genus . Other viruses of this same family are measles and mumps, although these are characterized by producing generalized infections instead of localized in the respiratory system.
It is a very contagious virus and is spread through nasopharyngeal secretions. Generally, it enters through the nasal or oral mucosa with drops of saliva. It can also be spread by the eye or even through contaminated objects that we touch with our hands.
It can affect all ages, but it is especially serious in young children. Specifically, children under 2 years of age are those at greatest risk of serious complications. However, in adults, this infection can go unnoticed or be mistaken for a common cold.
Infection with this virus does not cause complete immunity, so reinfection can occur, that is, it can be contracted several times. However, the second or successive times are usually not as serious as the first.
Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus
The most common symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection are similar to those of a cold or respiratory condition. They usually appear between 4 and 6 days after infection with the virus. The most frequent are:
- Nasal congestion.
- Throat pain.
- Headache.
- Cough.
- Fever.
- General discomfort.
However, other more serious symptoms may occur in those patients at risk, such as:
- Cyanosis or bluish discoloration.
- Dyspnea or shortness of breath
- Tachypnea or rapid breathing.
- Wheeze.
- Nasal flaring.
In young children, these symptoms are generally accompanied by irritability, tiredness, eating problems, poor appetite, decreased activity levels, restless and intermittent sleep, etc.
The most serious forms of infection usually occur in premature babies, in children under 6 months or in children with congenital diseases. In them, generally, the virus easily reaches the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the bronchioles.
An exaggerated secretion of mucus usually occurs, together with an edema of the mucosa and a desquamation of the epithelial tissue of the cells. This leads to a typical picture of bronchiolitis. It is considered that respiratory syncytial virus is responsible for approximately 50% of bronchiolitis and 25% of pneumonias.
Prevention and treatment
Currently, there is no vaccine against this virus, although research is being done on it. As a preventive measure, there is the possibility of applying monoclonal antibodies. The drug used is Palivizumab and it is administered intramuscularly. This is carried out exclusively in high-risk children.
The most effective form of prevention is to avoid contagion with infected children, for example, in day care centers. It is important to take into account a series of hygienic measures, such as frequent hand washing, disinfection of surfaces or the use of reusable tissues.
Mild infections usually clear up without the need for treatment. However, in the most severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. In children who are more sensitive to this type of infection, the administration of oxygen is usually required.
In any case, it is important to ensure the hydration of the little ones. It is advisable to offer them fluids frequently, as well as to wash their nostrils with saline solution. If fever appears, the doctor may recommend an antipyretic, such as paracetamol.
