Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP. The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Medical Conditions. What is respiratory syncytial virus? A virus that causes the common cold and other respiratory signs or symptoms, mostly in children younger than 2 years Most common in winter and early spring; one of the most common diseases of early childhood younger than 4 years.
What are the signs or symptoms? Very young infants also can exhibit Irritability Poor feeding Lethargy Apnea ie, brief periods of no breathing Cyanosis Skin or mucous membranes turn blue, usually when coughing with respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]. Respiratory problems include Bronchiolitis ie, wheezing from narrowed airways in the lungs Pneumonia Wheezing and asthma attack in children who already have asthma Children with weakened immune systems, preterm birth, or heart or lung problems have greater difficulty when ill with this infection compared with otherwise healthy children.
What are the incubation and contagious periods? Incubation period: 2 to 8 days; 4 to 6 days is most common. How is it spread? How do you control it? Symptoms may persist for a few days to a number of weeks.
Symptoms generally begin four to six days after exposure. Symptoms generally develop slowly over a period of several days. The contagious period is usually less than 10 days after symptoms begin, but occasionally is longer.
RSV is usually diagnosed from the appearance of typical symptoms. The use of specific laboratory tests is often limited to cases of severe illness and to special outbreak investigations. A medication called ribavirin is effective against RSV infection if begun in the first few days after symptoms appear. Because RSV infection is often resolved on its own, treatment of mild symptoms is not necessary for most people. Antibiotics are not effective treatments for viral illnesses such as RSV infection although in certain patients, antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections which have complicated the RSV infection in that patient.
In the hospital, treatments may include intravenous fluids, or in severe cases, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation having a breathing tube inserted through the mouth and down the airway. One of the most effective ways to prevent an RSV infection is to practice good hand hygiene. Wash and scrub your hands with water and soap regularly, and especially before holding your baby.
Encourage older children and other caregivers to do the same. If you have RSV or any cold symptoms , reduce contagion by covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze with either your shirt sleeve or a tissue not your hands. You should avoid close contact kissing, shaking hands, sharing utensils and cups with others, especially young children. And disinfect contaminated surfaces—everything from door knobs to countertops. A medication called palivizumab is given as a shot to prevent severe RSV illness in children and infants who are considered at high risk of developing serious complications.
The shot does not improve symptoms for kids already suffering from it, nor does it prevent infection with RSV. Dias explains. Our pediatric specialists at Yale Medicine are experienced at treating RSV and any complications that may arise from the illness.
Skip to Main Content. Older adults plus , adults with weakened immune systems or heart or lung diseases have a high risk for severe RSV. Symptoms usually appear in stages. In infants, watch for irritability, a decrease in activity or appetite, and breathing difficulty such as pausing while breathing. Rashes are not common with RSV, but they are common with viruses such as measles, rubella, rubeola, chickenpox and fifth disease. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than one year old.
If someone is having trouble breathing or is dehydrated as a result of RSV, that person should see a health care professional immediately. In severe cases of RSV, patients may need additional oxygen or need to be intubated for a few days. RSV is contagious as it is airborne. The virus also can survive on hard surfaces for many hours. It survives on soft surfaces for a shorter amount of time.
People with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days. People with weakened immune systems and some infants can continue to be contagious as long as they show symptoms, which could last up to four weeks. RSV can affect people of any age but infants and older adults are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from RSV.
0コメント