Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) generally affects children less than 2 year old. It is one of the leading cause of bronchiolitis and neonatal pneumonia.

Symptoms usually begin with a runny nose, cough, low grade fever which disappears in a week. More serious infection is manifested by -

• Wheezing
• Fast breathing (Tachycardia)
• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea)
• Irratability, Restlessness
• Poor appetite
• Fever > 39 degrees centigrade

Vulnerable neonates and infants generally receive prophylaxis with Palivizumab (Synagis).

RSV exposure to children can also be prevented by taking these simple measures outlined by American Academy of Pediatrics -

• Make sure everyone washes their hands before touching your baby
• Keep your baby away from anyone who has a cold, fever or runny nose
• Keep your baby away from crowded areas like shopping malls
• Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke
• All infants between six and 23 months of age should be immunized against influenza. The influenza vaccine also may help protect children against other very common respiratory viruses

Reference - Medical News Today

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