What is RSV ?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious seasonal virus that impacts the nose, throat, and lungs, spreading through respiratory droplets.
Symptoms of RSV
- 1. Runny nose
- 2. Cough
- 3. Sneezing
- 4. Fever
- 5. Wheezing
- 6. Difficulty breathing (rapid breathing, nostril flaring, grunting)
- 7. Decreased appetite
Understanding the Impacts of RSV on Your Health
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Beyond immediate symptoms, RSV can lead to long-term effects such as recurrent wheezing, asthma, and exacerbation of existing lung or heart conditions. Its hidden impact includes lasting damage to lung function, increasing the risk of future respiratory problems. arly detection, on the other hand, allows for timely management, such as oxygen therapy or antiviral medications, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms, prevent further damage to the lungs, and improve recovery outcomes. Early intervention significantly lowers the risk of long-term respiratory issues and enhances overall recovery.
Consult Our Infectious Disease Specialist
- Dr. Besmira Zama, Ph.D (Dermatology) : Specializes in infectious diseases, focusing on RSV and other viral infections. Book Appointment
- Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul, MD : Experienced rheumatologist with a compassionate approach to patient care. Book Appointment
- Dr. Azela Glady, MBBS : Board-certified rheumatologist specializing in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in women. Book Appointment
Importance and Benefits of Consulting a Gynecologist Online
Consulting an infectious disease specialist is crucial, especially when Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) affects infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. RSV is most common in developed countries like the U.S., Canada, and Europe, but also significantly impacts low-income nations in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Infants, particularly premature babies, are at the highest risk of severe complications.
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FAQ
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets released when someone infected coughs, sneezes, or speaks. People can also contract RSV by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their face, particularly the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus shows high contagiousness, spreading readily in crowded settings, with infection rates typically peaking during fall and winter seasons. Young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face particularly high risk of RSV infection and transmission.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection can potentially result in chronic health complications, particularly following severe cases in infants. Though complete recovery is common, children who experience serious RSV infections may develop ongoing respiratory conditions including wheezing episodes and asthma. The virus can sometimes cause lung damage that increases vulnerability to subsequent infections. For elderly individuals and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, RSV may trigger extended respiratory complications after the acute infection resolves. Furthermore, multiple RSV infections during early childhood have been associated with persistent breathing difficulties that can continue into later years.
Severe RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection poses the greatest threat to premature infants and those with pre-existing health conditions. The virus particularly endangers babies under six months of age, who may develop serious complications including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Adults aged 65 and older face significant risk as well, especially those with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders. Immunocompromised individuals—whether due to medical treatments like chemotherapy or congenital immune deficiencies—experience heightened vulnerability to RSV's severe manifestations. These high-risk populations require special vigilance during RSV seasons as they face greater chances of hospitalization and complications from what might be a mild illness in others.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections result specifically from exposure to the RSV virus itself. Transmission occurs primarily when respiratory droplets from infected individuals enter the body through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Contact transmission is also common, where people touch virus-contaminated surfaces before touching their faces, allowing the virus to enter through the eyes, nose, or mouth. RSV transmission rises in crowded settings where close contact increases exposure risk. The virus demonstrates distinct seasonality, with infection rates typically peaking during fall and winter periods. Vulnerability to severe RSV infection is notably higher among infants, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people, whose respiratory defense mechanisms may be underdeveloped, deteriorated, or impaired.