RSV | Respiratory Syncytial VirusRSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus mimics the common cold or flue, but can be much more dangerous to the very young or the elderlyI don't know when the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) was discovered, because I had never heard of it until very recently. Certainly, I have found some articles going back to the 1990's. Based on what I have read, RSV has always been around, we just didn't know about it. First and foremost, it is a VIRUS, and as such, there is no cure. Secondly, scientists are apparently looking for for a vaccine, but have found nothing as yet. When all is said and done it is a nasty little bug, WHICH IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS! WHAT IS IT? According to my Dorlands Pocket Medical Dictionary, "SYNCYTIAL" means "pertaining to "SYNCYTIUM" which in turn means "a multinucleate mass of protoplasm produced by the merging of cells". As I understand it, a bunch of cells fuse together making abigger cell, and instead of having one nucleus (remember your science and biology?), this enlarged cell now has a bunch of nuclei. When you take all the words together, It means that there isa really nasty virus around, which attacks the nose, throat and lungs and causes/creates enlarged multi-nucleated cells, which also give off a lot of mucous. The peak Respiratory Syncytial Virus season is March to September in South Africa and November to April in the USA (lateAutumn/Fall through to early spring). Secondary Infections are a greater problem. RSV leads to Lower tract respiratory infection such as Pneumonia, as well as bronchiolitus. Middle ear infections are also a complication, and there is apparently a possibility that RSV could be a link to asthma. I have also noticed locally, that several toddlers with RSV,were initially diagnosed as having Tonsilitus, (my grandson was one of them). Perhaps that is something that you should bear in mind! WHO IS AT RISK? Actually, pretty much anybody and everybody is likely to get it sometime or another, and most babies get it before the age of two. However, it remains the leading cause of serious respiratoryinfection in infants, young children and the elderly. Babies and kiddies younger than six months; those with congenital heart and/or lung diseases; or who were born prematurely; and children with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke or high levels of air pollution, are also at greater risk. Older adults with heart or lung problems, in particular,congestive heart failure (CHF), or chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD) are also at high risk. HOW IS IT SPREAD? It is spread by droplet contact when someone coughs or sneezes. It can live for hours on anything, including toys, furniture, counter tops, taps, money, etc. If you touch anything that is contaminated and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, you are likely to become infected as well. Once the infection starts you can continue to spread it to others for several weeks. Typically RSV last about 15 days, although it can last longer. Once you have been infected, you will have a higher resistance to the disease and each subsequent infection is likely to be less severe. Within families, day care centres and creches, RSV can be cross-spread continually as a result of the above. It is my personal opinion that if RSV is discovered to be prevalent in a day care center or creche, as was the case with the day care centre that my grandson attended, all the children should be sent home and only allowed to return, when a medical note is received to say that after 2 tests, a minimum of 3 days apart, the child is not RSV positive. I have also discovered that very few care-givers have everheard of RSV. Has your child's care-giver or school heard about it? If not, I sugggest you spread the news. PREVENTING RSV Since there is no cure and there is no vaccine, soap and water is your best answer.
WHEN DO YOU CALL THE DOCTOR?
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS In older toddlers (over three years of age) and adults RSV usually presents as a cold with upper respiratory infection, with signs and symptoms appearing from two to six days after exposure.
In more severe cases the following may occur
DIAGNOSIS If your doctor (or you) suspects the possibility of RSV, mucous from the back of the nostrils is usually taken and used for testing, although your doctor may decide on a blood test as well. In some instances, it might be nessessary to perform the test twice, several days apart. TREATMENT IN HOSPITAL The patient will usually be isolated to prevent infection of other patients. Medication and extra fluids will probably be given via a drip Nose drops and nebulization will be provided to keep the airways open and to increase the flow of air and oxygen, as well as to reduce the wheezing. It is possible that a hospitalized infant may be hooked up to mechanical ventilation to assist breathing. Chest Physiotherapy will be performed by a Physiotherapist, who will probably also suction the airway via a nasel suction tube, especially with babies. TREATMENT AT HOME
DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO ANY PERSON UNDER 19 YEARS OF AGE: Aspirin hasbeen associated with Reye'sSyndrome, a life threatening disease.For further information on some other diseases and illnesses pleaseread the following pages
Return from RSV to Moms Home Safety
|
