RSV is a highly prevalent and contagious virus that can lead to life-threatening respiratory infections. It can cause outbreaks both in the community and in hospital settings. RSV typically manifests as a lower respiratory tract infection known as bronchiolitis in young children and can rarely progress to pneumonia, respiratory failure, apnea, and death.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RSV? The severity of RSV infection, which can cause discomfort in the lower respiratory tract within two to six days, can range from mild to life-threatening illness. The virus is transmitted through the eyes and nose and rapidly multiplies, causing symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, red and watery eyes, and a slight fever, which are typical of upper respiratory tract infections.
CONDITIONS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF RSV Contracting RSV can be exacerbated by not consuming breast milk, having low levels of antibodies passed on from the mother, winter months (especially in crowded living conditions), inadequate daily care, low socioeconomic status, poor nutrition, crowded living conditions, exposure to tobacco smoke, and a family history of asthma and allergies.
WHO IS AT RISK? As the RSV virus rapidly spreads from the upper to the lower respiratory tract, it can particularly affect premature babies, those with acquired or congenital immunodeficiency, individuals with congenital heart disease, individuals who have undergone bone marrow or organ transplants, those receiving oxygen therapy at home, and children with neurological or metabolic problems.
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