Get to know the RSV virus, a dangerous virus that parents must be vigilant about.
Among the many viruses that are widespread and are a major cause of illness, there is one virus called “RSV virus,” or its full name, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, which is the cause of respiratory diseases that are dangerous to infants and young children. In severe cases, it can lead to infected pneumonia. The virus can be found throughout the year.
Important knowledge about the RSV virus that parents must be aware of, and paying attention to good hygiene and sanitation is therefore important for parents not to neglect.
- What is the RSV virus?
- Full name is Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- It is the cause of respiratory tract infections.
- It is commonly found in young children, with 90% of children under 2 years old having been infected at least once.
- It can spread throughout the year, but is most common during the rainy and cold seasons and can be re-infected.
- How it spreads
- It spreads through coughing, sneezing, and droplets of mucus or secretions entering the eyes or nasal membranes.
- The incubation period is 2-8 days.
- Symptoms
- Common symptoms include fever, coughing, and excessive mucus.
- Severe symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection include difficulty breathing, chest indrawing, wheezing, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration).
- Parents should take their child to a doctor immediately if they have a high fever or difficulty breathing.
- Treatment and prevention
- Treatment focuses on symptoms, such as giving fever-reducing medication, phlegm-dissolving medicine, and suctioning mucus in infants.
- Drinking enough water can help reduce coughing.
- Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the RSV virus.
- Prevention methods include avoiding close contact with sick individuals, avoiding crowded places, frequent hand washing, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk and severity of RSV infection.
