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  1. Human respiratory syncytial virus - Overview

    Verified Expert
    Also known as: RSV infection, human orthopneumovirus
    A viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by the virus Respiratory syncytial viru. This commonly affects children below the age of 2 years.
    Condition Highlight
    Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several days or weeks
    Is condition preventable by vaccine?
    May be preventable by vaccine
    How is condition transmitted?
    Transmitted through airborne exposure
    Condition Highlight
    Common for ages 2 and younger
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    Causes

    Verified Expert

    Infection is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. The virus enters the body through eyes, nose or mouth.

    • Spreads via infected droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing of an infected person
    • Direct contact with an infected person e.g. handshakes

    The risks are high among

    • Children less than age 2 years
    • Premature infants
    • Children with weak immune system
    • Children in crowded child care centers
    • Adults with asthma or other lung and heart diseases
    • Persons with weak immune system

    See more

    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    The symptoms depends on the severity, age and health of the infected person.

    Mild flu-like symptoms in older children and adults such as

    • Stuffy and runny nose
    • Mild headache
    • Mild cough
    • Mild fever
    • Sore throat

    Severe symptoms in children and the immunocompromised include

    • Discoloration of skin
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Rapid breathing
    • Wheezing
    • Severe cough
    • Fever

    See more
    How common is RSV?
    Because an RSV infection usually feels like a cold, many adults don’t get tested or find out they have it. So, it’s hard to know exactly how common it is. We do know that RSV causes at least 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations per year among adults age 65 or older in the U.S. Some need care in the intensive care unit (ICU).
    my.clevelandclinic.org

    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    Treatment involves supportive care to manage the signs and symptoms. Mild cases resolve without treatment.

    Medication

    Antipyretics: To reduce fever.

    Acetaminophen

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    human respiratory syncytial virus_en
    Microsoft Start Health

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Physical examination followed by laboratory tests are done to ascertain the condition.

    Common tests & procedures

    Physical examination: To check for abnormal breathing sounds.

    Viral detection test: A swab of the nasal drainage can be analyzed to detect the presence of the virus.

    X-ray: To rule out any other conditions causing similar symptoms.

    See more
    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Causes
    Symptoms
    How common is RSV?
    Treatment
    Health guide
    Diagnosis
     
  1. Respiratory syncytial virus
    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious and common virus that can cause respiratory tract infections, particularly in the autumn and winter months. Most children will have been exposed to RSV by the age of 2 years, but reinfection is common. RSV is a major cause of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in adults.

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Immun…

    www.immune.org.nz/diseases/respiratory-syncytial …
    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of many viruses that cause infections of the respiratory tract – the parts of your body related to breathing. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. For most children and healthy adults, RSV symptoms are mild and similar to the common cold.

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infectio…

    healthify.nz/health-a-z/r/respiratory-syncytial-virus-r…
    What is RSV? RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus that can lead to a respiratory infection in babies, children and adults of all ages. An RSV infection usually causes a mild, cold-like illness that goes away in one to two weeks.

    RSV: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cl…

    my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-respirat…
    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory illness among persons of all age groups. RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood illness and is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants. It also causes severe disease and hospitalizations in older adults, especially those with certain chronic medical conditions.

    Clinical Overview of RSV | RSV | CDC

    www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that most children will have before the age of two. RSV causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. This virus is generally present in New Zealand between May to October. In healthy adults and older children, RSV symptoms are generally mild.

    RSV: what you need to know | Asthma Fo…

    www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/stories/rsv-what-yo…
  2. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

  4. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/rsv

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | RSV | CDC - Centers …

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, but it is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S.

    Other articles from cdc.gov
  5. Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_syncytial_virus

    Respiratory syncytial virus - Wikipedia

  6. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/dise…

    RSV: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic

    Nov 15, 2023 · RSV is a seasonal, highly contagious respiratory virus that often feels like a common cold. Learn how to recognize the signs, prevent the spread and treat the infection in babies, children and adults.

  7. Mayo Clinic Press
    https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/rsv/is-it-…

    Is it a cold or adult RSV? 3 ways to tell - Mayo Clinic Press

    Sep 19, 2023 · Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can look a lot like the common cold. They both spread through coughs, sneezes and infected surfaces like doorknobs. In healthy adults, symptoms of both viruses are generally mild …

  8. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-con…

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Diagnosis

    Oct 4, 2023 · However, they can help diagnose respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) complications or rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Tests may include: Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look …

  9. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-in-adults

    RSV in Adults: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Risk - Cleveland …

  10. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about

    About RSV | RSV | CDC - Centers for Disease Control …

    Aug 30, 2024 · RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. CDC recommends immunizations to protect …

  11. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/symptoms

    Symptoms and Care of RSV | RSV | CDC - Centers for Disease …

  12. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-in-babies-children

    RSV in Babies & Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment