Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.RSV usually causes mild cold-like, Congested or runny nose, Dry cough, Low-grade fever, Sore throat, Mild headache, Severe cough, Wheezing a high-pitched noise that's usually heard on breathing out (exhaling), Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, which may make the child prefer to sit up rather than lie down, Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis).

RSV in severe cases may be necessary to provide intravenous (IV) fluids and humidified oxygen. Mechanical ventilation is a breathing machine to ease breathing. A nebulized bronchodilator such as albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil-HFA, Ventolin HFA) may be used to relieve wheezing. This medication opens air passages in the lungs. Nebulized means it's administered as a fine mist that you breathe in. Occasionally, a nebulized form of ribavirin (Virazole), an antiviral agent, may be used.

519 children aged ≤2 years enrolled from September 11, 2008 through April 26, 2009, 197 tested positive for RSV (38.0%, 95% CI: 33.8, 42.3). The onset of the 2008–2009 RSV season in the Russian Federation occurred in late October 2008, similar to what is observed in other northern temperate zones. Peak activity occurred in early April 2009, when 62% of children enrolled tested positive for RSV.