Understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus in children

The annoying coughing, sneezing and runny noses that signal a common cold are all too familiar, especially in the winter months. Fortunately, this minor illness usually passes quickly and without complication when it's treated with rest and fluids. However, the common cold has a more sinister twin, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV causes many of the same symptoms as the common cold, and it usually passes just as quickly. However, in certain vulnerable populations, RSV can lead to serious medical issues that require a doctor's care. Understanding how to prevent this illness and what RSV symptoms to look for is the best way to keep family members healthy.

• While the symptoms of an average case of RSV closely resemble those of the common cold at the most basic level, RSV is a virus with separate, unique properties from the germs that cause colds.
• As a result, RSV is capable of causing more serious complications than are usually seen with the standard cold virus.

• Just like common cold germs, RSV is spread through contact with an infected person.
• It is most prevalent in the winter months, particularly because people tend to be indoors and closer together when the temperatures drop.
• RSV is airborne, and it is present in saliva and mucus.
• Coughing and sneezing spread the virus, and touching an infected surface can introduce it into the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Most frustrating of all, RSV has a long life -- up to 20 minutes on hands and several hours on doorknobs, counter tops, tissues and other surfaces -- and those infected with RSV can pass the virus to others for a full week.

• For healthy people of all ages, RSV causes the same sort of symptoms as a cold, and it is rare that medical intervention is required. In fact, many cases are never confirmed to be RSV at all, because the symptoms never move beyond coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
• RSV is most common in children, and the vast majority of people have had RSV at least once by the age of two.
• For infants and very young children, or any children born prematurely or afflicted with chronic heart, lung or immune system diseases, RSV can be much more serious.
• RSV is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, both of which can result in other, more critical illnesses such as lung failure.

• Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for RSV, and the many variations of the virus mean that even those who have had it can contract it again.
• The first steps to preventing RSV are the same for all respiratory illnesses. Frequent hand washing, minimising exposure to daycare settings and school-age children, avoiding large groups, and staying away from tobacco smoke reduce the likelihood of contracting RSV.
• When children under 24 months fall into the group at high risk for serious complications from RSV, paediatricians will weigh the pros and cons of the medication Synagis (palivizumab), which can further reduce the likelihood of contracting RSV.
• Understanding RSV in children is important for parents, as awareness of the symptoms and risks associated with the virus lead to better decision-making when it comes to seeking treatment.
• As with any respiratory illness, children who have trouble breathing and those with coughs that continue to get worse instead of better should be seen by a physician right away.