What is rvs

Who is at risk for respiratory syncytial virus RSV infections? Certain people are at higher risk of having a severe RSV infection: Infants Older adults, especially those age 65 and older People with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease People with weakened immune systems What are the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus RSV infections?

The symptoms of RSV infection usually start about 4 to 6 days after infection. They include Runny nose Decrease in appetite Cough Sneezing Fever Wheezing These symptoms usually appear in stages instead of all at once. How are respiratory syncytial virus RSV infections diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis: A medical history, including asking about symptoms A physical exam A lab test of nasal fluid or another respiratory specimen to check for RSV.

This is usually done for people with severe infection. Tests to check for complications in people with severe infection. The tests may include a chest x-ray and blood and urine tests. What are the treatments for respiratory syncytial virus RSV infections? Can respiratory syncytial virus RSV infections be prevented? But you may able to reduce your risk of getting or spreading an RSV infection by Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Avoiding touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others if you are sick or they are sick Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands Staying home when sick Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV symptoms are typically at their worst on days 3 through 5 of illness. Fortunately, almost all children recover from an RSV infection on their own. Some children with RSV may be at increased risk of developing a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection. Call your doctor if your child has:.

Pediatricians diagnose children with a cold or bronchiolitis by asking about their symptoms and by doing a physical exam. Your pediatrician may do a nasal swab test to determine if your child has RSV or another virus. Because most children recover without difficulty and because there is no treatment for RSV, these tests usually are not necessary.

It enters the body through the nose or eyes or, usually from:. Symptoms can appear 2 to 8 days after contact with RSV. Keep in mind, children and adults can get RSV multiple times—even during a single season. Often, however, repeat infections are less severe than the first one.

Those children may need oxygen to help with breathing or an intravenous IV line for fluids. Most of these children can go home after 2 or 3 days. Rarely, a child may need care in a pediatric intensive care unit PICU. Wash your hands! Just as you would to prevent germs at any time, use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remind children to practice good hand hygiene all through the year. But these lifestyle habits can help prevent the spread of this infection:.

The medication palivizumab Synagis , given in the form of a shot injection , can help protect certain infants and children 2 years old and younger who are at high risk of serious complications from RSV. High-risk children in this age group include those who:. The first injection is given at the start of the RSV season, with monthly injections given during the season.

This medication only helps prevent RSV infection. It does not help treat it once symptoms develop. Talk with your child's doctor to find out if your child would benefit from this medication and to learn more about it. This medication is not recommended for healthy children or for adults.

Scientists continue working to develop a vaccine to protect against RSV. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Respiratory syncytial virus RSV causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kliegman RM, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Know the symptoms to look for and how to care for people with RSV. RSV can be dangerous for some infants and young children.