Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Respiratory Syncytial Virus

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In my last article, "Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Scarlet Fever" we learned that Scarlet Fever is a contagious infection caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat. If your child has strep throat, he/she may also develop scarlet fever which results in the child not feeling well and developing a fine, sandpaper-like rash that consists of small, red bumps. Scarlet fever commonly occurs between the ages of 2 to 10. It spreads with direct contact with another person who is infected. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection. It is advisable for the child to stay home for 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatments. The prognosis for scarlet fever is usually excellent when treated appropriately with antibiotics. Today I would like to move onto another childhood illness called Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

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What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

According to Health LineRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects individuals of all ages but it is most common among infants and children. The interesting fact here is, that for most adults and healthy children, RSV causes symptoms that are similar to those of a regular cold. Unfortunately, in infants, RSV can be much more serious leading to other serious lung complications. (https://www.healthline.com/health/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv#overview1),

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A major fact is that RSV is the most common virus that causes infections of the lungs and airways in infants and small children. Health Line stated that the CDC gathered data in this area and found that in the US, between 75,000 to 125,000 children under 1, are hospitalized with RSV. The article went on to say that according to the March of Dimes, this virus is seasonal, and is highest from October to March.

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What Causes Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

RSV is the most common germ that causes lung and airway infections in infants and young children. According to the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/overview.html) most infants have had this infection by the age of 2. The RSV virus spreads when a person blows their nose, sneezes or coughs, creating tiny droplets that go into the air. The virus enters the body through the mouth, nose and eyes. And it also spreads by direct hand contact with infected objects and surfaces.

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What Are the Symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

According to the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098) signs and symptoms of RSV usually appears about 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Adults and older children generally have mild cold-like symptoms which can include the following:

• Congested or runny nose

• Dry cough

• Low-grade fever

• Sore throat

• Mild headache

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In severe cases, where the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, results can end up becoming Pneumonia & Bronchiolitis, where the inflammation of the small airway passages entering the lung occurs. Per Mayo Clinic signs and symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Severe cough

• Wheezing — a high-pitched noise that's usually heard on breathing out (exhaling)

• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing — the child may prefer to sit up rather than lie down

• Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)

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Unfortunately infants are most severely impacted by RSV. Mayo Clinic stated that these infants usually exhibit their chest muscles and skin being pulled inward with each breath. This is a sign of his/her difficulty with breathing. Other signs include:

• Short, shallow and rapid breathing

• Cough

• Poor feeding

• Unusual tiredness (lethargy)

• Irritability

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When to Call Your Baby’s Doctor

Per Web MD (https://www.webmd.com/lung/rsv-in-babies#1) parents should contact their child’s doctor if the following symptoms are exhibited:

• Trouble breathing

• Cough producing yellow, green, or gray mucus

• Unusually upset or inactive

• Refuses to breastfeed or bottle-feed

• Signs of dehydration -- lack of tears when crying, little or no urine in the diaper for 6 hours, and cool, dry skin.

Web MD advises that “if your baby is very tired, breathes rapidly, or has a blue tint to the lips or fingernails, get medical attention immediately.

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How Is RSV Diagnosed?

There are various laboratory tests that can be conducted to diagnoses RSV infection. According to Medicine Net (https://www.medicinenet.com/respiratory_syncytial_virus/article.htm) these tests include the isolation of the virus, detection of viral antigens, detection of viral RNA, demonstration of a rise in serum antibodies, or a combination of these approaches. “Most clinical laboratories today use nasal swab tests based on antigen detection to diagnose RSV infection. This technique is 80%-90% reliable. A newer test protocol (RT-PCR) is more reliable and is replacing the antigen-detecting test in many hospitals and community laboratories.”

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What Are the Complications of RSV?

Complications of respiratory syncytial virus according to Mayo Clinic are:

• Hospitalization. A severe RSV infection may require a hospital stay so that doctors can monitor and treat breathing problems and give intravenous (IV) fluids.

• Pneumonia. RSV is the most common cause of inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) or the lungs' airways (bronchiolitis) in infants. These complications can occur when the virus spreads to the lower respiratory tract. Lung inflammation can be quite serious in infants, young children, immunocompromised individuals, or people with chronic heart or lung disease.

• Middle ear infection. If germs enter the space behind the eardrum, you can get a middle ear infection (otitis media). This happens most frequently in infants and young children.

• Asthma. There may be a link between severe respiratory syncytial virus in children and the chance of developing asthma later in life.

• Repeated infections. Once you've had RSV, it's common for the infection to come back. It's even possible for it to happen during the same RSV season. However, symptoms usually aren't as severe — typically it's in the form of a common cold. But they can be serious in older adults or people with chronic heart or lung disease.

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What Is the Treatment for RSV Infection?

There are no medications used to treat RSV since it is a virus. According to Stanford Children’s (http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-90-P024090) the care of an infant with RSV involves treating the effects of the virus on the respiratory system. Treatment may include:

• Supplemental oxygen

• Intravenous fluids (to prevent dehydration)

• Tube feedings (if the baby has difficulty sucking)

• Bronchodilator medications (to open the airways)

• Antiviral medications (for very sick or high-risk babies)

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How to Prevent RSV Infection?

The following precautions by Baby Center (https://www.babycenter.com/0_respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-in-babies_1754.bc) are important if your child is at risk for a serious RSV infection:

• Wash your hands and your child's hands often. Explain to your child's caregivers why this is important, and make sure they're conscientious about doing it too. At home, ask all visitors to wash their hands before handling your baby.

• Avoid crowds and people who are ill.

• If possible, keep your high-risk child home from daycare during RSV season (usually November to April, with a peak in January and February). Children at highest risk include infants, preemies, and children with a weakened immune system or heart or lung problems.

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• Keep your child away from tobacco smoke.

• Don't share (or let anyone else share) eating or drinking utensils with your child. An older sibling with cold symptoms can easily pass the virus along.

• Beginning at age 6 months, make sure your child gets a flu shot every year in the fall or early winter.

• If your child is at high risk, the doctor may prescribe palivizumab, a monthly injection given in the fall, winter, and spring months to help prevent RSV.

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What Are the Risk Factors For RSV Infection?

Mayo Clinic stated that by age 2, most children will have been infected with RSV. Children who attend day care or have siblings who attend school tend to be at a higher risk of exposure to RSV. The following are a list of individuals who may be at increased risk of severe RSV infections:

• Premature infants

• Young children who have congenital heart or lung disease

• Children with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or transplantation

• Infants in crowded child care settings

• Older adults

• Adults with asthma, congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• People with immunodeficiency, including those with certain transplanted organs, leukemia or HIV/AIDS

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Fast Facts on RSV Infection?

Here are some key points about RSV by Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301632.php):

• Most children will be infected with respiratory syncytial virus by the time they reach the age 2.

• Respiratory syncytial virus can spread through both direct and indirect contact with secretions from infected people.

• The virus can survive on hard surfaces such as tabletops and toys for several hours.

• Full recovery from infection usually occurs after 1-2 weeks.

• Treatment for the virus typically involves alleviating its signs and symptoms.

• Respiratory syncytial virus is most common in the US during the spring, fall and winter months.

• The spread of respiratory syncytial virus can be prevented by handwashing.

• Hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infections is required in 0.5-2% of infants and children with their first infection, with most under 6 months old.

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In conclusion Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common virus that affects individuals of all ages but it is most common among infants and children. The interesting fact here is that for most adults and healthy children, RSV causes symptoms that are similar to those of a regular cold. Unfortunately, in infants, RSV can be much more serious leading to other serious lung complications. It is a very contagious virus that is spread through droplets when someone who is infected sneezes, coughs or blows through his/her nose. RSV can also be spread through contact with infected items and/or surfaces. The virus can survive for hours on hands, table tops and clothing. Because RSV is a virus, there are no medications that can be used to treat it. Care of an infant with RSV involves treating the effects of the virus on the respiratory system. The best way to prevent RSV is through good handwashing.

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I hope you learned something from this article about Respiratory Syncytial Virus. There are many resources on the internet if you need more specific information. I will continue this series with another childhood disease post. I hope you will continue to join me in this quest to learn about these illnesses that children usually encounter when they are young. Thank-you for reading my article on ”Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Respiratory Syncytial Virus”. If you would like to follow me, please check HERE

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These are my previous articles if you are interested in reading them:

Teachers & Parents Beware of Impetigo: I Gave It To My Teacher
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/teachers-and-parents-beware-of-impetigo-i-gave-it-to-my-teacher

Childhood Diseases –On a Mission to Learn: Chicken Pox
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-chickenpox

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Strep Throat
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-strep-throat

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Fifth Disease
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-fifth-disease

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Measles
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-measles

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Mumps
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-mumps

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Croup
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-croup

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-pertussis-whooping-cough

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Asthma
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-asthma

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Tetanus
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-tetanus

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Ear Infections
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-ear-infections

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Reye’s Syndrome
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-reye-s-syndrome

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Kawasaki Disease
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-kawasaki-disease

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Ringworm
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-ringworm

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Lyme Disease
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-lyme-disease

** Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Rotavirus Infection**
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-rotavirus-infection

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Hepatitis A
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-hepatitis-a

Childhood Diseases – On a Mission to Educate: Scarlet Fever
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@cabbagepatch/childhood-diseases-on-a-mission-to-educate-scarlet-fever

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