RSV Virus Symptoms – Different viruses hit the United States during the winter time, and similar things are happening in the winter season of 2022 – 2023.
Different viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, have started showing their true colors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States have released several statements mentioning precautions associated with these viruses.
You might be surprised to know that a sharp rise in the positive cases of these viruses forced several schools to be closed throughout the whole nation. The closed schools of Montgomery county in Alabama are the perfect example of these viruses.
If you are also wondering about these viruses, then you are at the right place, as we are going to talk about everything about Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
In the debate about the flu and COVID-19, most people are not talking about this virus. It has single-handedly forced a huge number of schools throughout the whole nation to be closed.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection of the lungs and respiratory tract. You might get surprised to know that most kids in the United States get affected by the virus till they hit the age of 2.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States believe that most people are going to experience mild to moderate symptoms of the virus. Most symptoms associated with the condition are going to be similar to a general cold.
Usually, people do not experience severe infection, but it is more common in babies below the age of 12 months, younger infants, premature infants and older adults, and people with other medical conditions.
The Incubation Period of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Similar to most other viruses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe there is an incubation period for Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The incubation period of any virus is the time between a person starting to develop the symptoms and the exposure. The incubation period is not fixed for any virus, and usually, it has a range of days between 2 days to 30 days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States believe there is an incubation period of 4 to 6 days when it comes to the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Most people don’t experience any symptoms associated with the condition during the incubation period, and all the below-given symptoms of the condition will start once a person has already crossed the incubation period of the virus.
RSV Virus Symptoms
Once you have learned the incubation period of the virus, now it is time for us to discuss the biggest question of the day, which are the symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Similar to any other virus and disease in the world, everyone should learn about its symptoms to understand the nature of the virus. Right knowledge regarding the virus can also help you get better within a few days.
As you are already aware, there is an incubation period of 4 to 6 days when it comes to Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Once a person has already crossed the incubation period. Now, it is time for the symptoms to appear.
- Dry cough
- low-grade fever
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congested nose
- Running nose
These are the most common symptoms of the infection, and most people who are going to be diagnosed with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can experience one or more of the above-given symptoms.
Usually, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) does not impose a major risk of severe infection, But it can cause severe infection in some cases, and you should be very well aware of those symptoms as well.
Severe Symptoms of RSV Infection
The infection of the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also known to cause some severe symptoms, and you should be very well aware of those.
One of the worst things that Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can do is start spreading to the lower respiratory tract and cause problems like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Usually, the chances of these conditions are on the lowest side possible, but you should be very well aware that there is a probability, and you are supposed to prevent it as much as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe that people who are experiencing a severe case of the infection can experience the below-given list of symptoms.
- High-grade fever
- Severe cough
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Change in color of skin
If you are experiencing any of the above-given symptoms, then you should call your healthcare provider right away. Kindly do not ignore these symptoms, as they are also known to cause life-threatening conditions.
RSV Virus Symptoms in Children
You might not be surprised to know that the severe infection of RSV usually affects infants and children. If your kid has recently been diagnosed with RSV, then you should take good care of your kid.
Kids are the most vulnerable to developing Severe symptoms, and it is also known to cause life-threatening conditions.
- High-grade fever
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- unusual tiredness
- struggle to breathe
- Cough
If your kids start experiencing any of the above-given symptoms, then you should call your healthcare provider and seek immediate medical assistance.
The Infection of the virus is known to stay in the system for around 2 weeks, and you should try to take good care of your kid as much as possible. Severe infection of the virus usually appears in premature infants and kids with other medical conditions.
Diagnosis of RSV Infection
Health experts around the world suggest everyone not diagnose themselves with the infection of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
As you might already be aware, most symptoms of the infection are also similar to the flu and cold. That is why it is always going to be a wise decision to consult with your healthcare provider rather than self-diagnosing yourself for any condition.
Your healthcare provider Is going to use a combination of things to diagnose you.
First of all, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and the current symptoms you are experiencing. Apart from that, your healthcare expert will also consider the time of the year when the symptoms are developing.
Most healthcare experts are much more capable of diagnosing the infection without even any laboratory or imaging test. Still, your healthcare provider might suggest you go for a blood test to look for any sharp rise in the white cell counts.
Treatment of Rsv Infection
Most of the time, the treatment of RSV infection is only going to involve self-care measures. In some conditions where the infection has become severe, commercial healthcare experts might suggest you go for hospital care.
When it comes to home care, your healthcare expert might suggest you go for some over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol to reduce the fever. At the same time, your healthcare expert might also suggest you go for nasal saline drops to clear a stuffy nose.
Your healthcare provider might also suggest you go for some antibiotics if there is a chance of bacterial complications, including Pneumonia.
You should try to keep your child as comfortable as possible. Keeping your kid hydrated can also help your kid in the recovery of several other symptoms associated with the condition.
How to Prevent RSV Infection?
Healthcare experts around the world believe that there are some majors you can take to prevent infection in the first place. When it comes to the infection of RSV, it can get a little bit difficult to prevent, as it usually affects infants and immune-compromised individuals.
Still, there are some things you can do to prevent the infection in the first place and ensure your safety against the deadly virus.
- Cover your mouth while coughing.
- Kindly do not use your hand while sneezing or coughing. Instead, you can use a tissue Or fabric for your shirt.
- Kindly keep washing your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent infection.
- Apart from that, you can also avoid any close contact with someone more vulnerable to developing severe symptoms of the virus.
- Kindly try to clean and sanitize objects and toys.
- Kindly do not allow your kid to go in large social settings during the RSV season.
These are some of the most important things that can help you prevent the infection in the first place. Apart from that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggest everyone use face masks.
Can adults get RSV?
The infection of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not common in adults. Healthcare experts around the world believe that infants below the age of 12 months old and people with immune compromised are the most vulnerable to developing the infection of RSV. If you are among the immune-compromised individuals, then you should be very well aware as adults can also get RSV.
