Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is very frequently implicated in respiratory infections in young children. Particularly contagious, it is estimated that 90% of children are infected with RSV in their first two years of life. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children under one year of age. Among babies and small children, it is the main cause of the development of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in the winter months. In fact, most children become infected with the RSV virus during their first years of life, and it is one of the leading reasons for hospital admissions, especially during the winter.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms Treatment Causes Effects


Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Discovered in 1956, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Pneumo virus family. RSV was so named because it causes neighboring cells to fuse together in the respiratory mucous membranes, giving rise to large multinucleated syncitia (= giant cells containing several nuclei). This virus is responsible, among other things, for bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In fact, most children become infected with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during their first years of life, and it is one of the leading reasons for hospital admissions, especially during the winter.

In most cases, it is a mild viral disease, with a limited duration, accompanied by a runny nose and cough, which passes after about a week. Among premature babies, small babies and vulnerable populations, such as children with congenital heart defects, children with chronic lung diseases, or children with a deficiency in the immune system, the disease may lead to more significant mental morbidity, which requires supervision and supportive care in the hospital.

These infections are seasonal, with epidemics appearing each year in winter or early spring in our regions. Its contagiousness and frequent reinfections also explain the very high prevalence of this virus (nearly 70% of infants were infected from their 1st year of life, and almost 100% at 2 years old).


How Many Types Of RSV Are There?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) classified in to 2 subgroups (A and B) are distinguished among circulating viruses, based in particular on their antigenic variability, but responsible for the same diseases.




What Are The First Signs Of RSV?

More or less serious depending on the age and the immune status of the people, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is regularly implicated in bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children. It is even one of the main causes of hospitalization in infants.

In most cases, the clinical presentation of an RSV infection begins in much the same way as a common cold. Symptoms usually appear after an incubation period of 4 to 6 days, beginning with classic signs of upper respiratory tract infection:
  • Profuse Nasal Discharge;
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Dyspnea
  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite.
In infants, a decrease in activity, irritability and difficulty breathing are sometimes the only symptoms present at the beginning. While most Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections remain mild and resolve on their own within one to two weeks in healthy adults and older children, more severe disease can occur in:
  • Infants
  • The elderly or immunocompromised;
  • People with comorbidities such as cardiopulmonary conditions.
In fact, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can also cause more severe infections, notably affecting the lower respiratory tract and being the cause of bronchiolitis or even pneumonia. It is also the infectious agent most implicated in cases of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year old.


Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms in Older Children and Adults

Many older children and adults don't exhibit any Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) symptoms or just have very minor symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they are typically comparable to those of the common cold and include:
  • Fever.
  • Cough.
  • Congestion.
  • Mild headache.
  • Sore throat.
  • Runny nose.
  • Tiredness.

RSV Symptoms Contagious

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus causing seasonal epidemics, particularly in winter or early spring in temperate zones. The transmission of the virus is mainly by the airborne route, similar to that of the influenza or Covid-19 viruses. Infected people will excrete the virus through their respiratory secretions produced and airborne during coughing and sneezing.

The virus survives for several hours on the skin, tissues or certain hard surfaces, which can facilitate its transmission by indirect contact. RSV multiplies in the cells of the lining of the upper respiratory tract (nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi). In the event of complications, the multiplication can also take place in the lower respiratory tract (bronchioles), even sometimes up to the level of the pulmonary parenchyma.

People infected with RSV are often contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, young children or immunocompromised people can continue to transmit the virus for up to 4 weeks after symptoms stop.


Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) A Seasonal Illness?

Yes, it is. Like the flu, RSV is also a seasonal illness. n most places, it begins in late October and lasts until early spring.


Who Gets Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection?

Nearly every child contracts the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at least once before they turn two. This virus typically only produces modest cold-like symptoms. However, the infection may be more harmful for some infants and some adults.

Adults and children who are most at risk of developing a severe or fatal RSV infection include:
  • Premature babies (because their lungs are underdeveloped).
  • Infants younger than six months old.
  • Newborns with heart or lung problems.
  • Immune-compromised kids and adults, such as those who have had organ transplants or are receiving chemotherapy
  • Children who have trouble clearing their mucus or swallowing difficulties.
  • Elderly adults 65 years and older.
  • Adults suffering from congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will take a medical history and ask about your or your child's symptoms. The physical exam will include listening to you or your child's lungs and checking your or your child's oxygen level with a simple finger monitoring test (pulse oximetry). They may order blood tests to look for signs of infection (such as an elevated white blood cell count) or a nose swab to look for viruses.

If a more serious illness is suspected, your doctor will order imaging tests (X-rays, CT scan) to examine your or your child's lungs.


How to Treat RSV Infection?

In the majority of cases, the disease remains self-limiting and disappears after 1 to 2 weeks. There is no specific treatment and the main therapeutic axis of  Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections is symptomatic treatment based on good rehydration and the use of antipyretics in case of fever.

Children with breathing difficulties are hospitalized. Depending on their condition, they may receive oxygen and fluids through a vein. Administration of ribavirin, an antiviral drug, is no longer recommended except in children with severe immune system deficiency.

Hospitalization is unnecessary for the majority of children. Home treatment is primarily aimed at relieving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) symptoms. For example, children may be given pain medication and fluids to prevent dehydration . Parents should watch children carefully for signs of severe breathing difficulties or dehydration.

Antibiotics are not necessary, as they are not effective on viruses. On the other hand, depending on the circumstances, antibiotic therapy is sometimes recommended in order to avoid the appearance of secondary bacterial complications, particularly in cases of pneumonia.


RSV at Home Treatment

  • Make moist air for breathing. Warm up the space without making it uncomfortable.
  • Consume liquids. As usual, carry on feeding your baby by breastfeeding or bottle.
  • Try using saline nasal spray.
  • Use over-the-counter painkillers.
  • Avoid being around cigarette smoke.

How Do You Prevent RSV?

Preventive measures against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are important for people at risk of developing severe forms of the disease, especially during epidemic periods. The precautions to be taken, and more particularly in healthcare establishments, are quite similar for all highly contagious respiratory viruses:
  • Isolation of the sick;
  • Barrier gestures;
  • Limitation of the excretion of respiratory droplets during coughing, sneezing (wearing a respiratory mask);
  • Regular hand washing;
  • Washing of potentially contaminated objects, surfaces, etc.
There are no specific treatments against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), but a very expensive drug based on anti-RSV monoclonal antibodies is available and can be used for prophylaxis.

Good hygiene is an important preventive measure. A sick child and people living in the same house should wash their hands frequently. Physical contact with the sick child (kissing, cuddling or sharing the same bed) increases the risk of spreading the infection to other family members. Parents must weigh this risk against the need to comfort the sick child.

Some vaccines have been the subject of clinical trials and/or are under development, but there are currently none on the market.