Widespread virus that causes cold-like signs may cause pneumonia and even demise

Belonging into the identical household as mumps and measles viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, describes one of many frequent viruses that set off coughs and colds in winter.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), epidemics usually begin in October and final for the next 4 to 5 months, with the height occurring in December.

While most individuals with RSV solely endure from a light sickness, the virus can spur on extra extreme respiratory illness in a small variety of sufferers.

Worryingly, the an infection can result in problems, corresponding to pneumonia and even demise, the UKHSA warns.

What are the signs of RSV?

When it involves recognizing RSV, the warning indicators are inclined to resemble signs of a typical chilly and strike three to 5 days after an infection.

Symptoms can embrace:

• Runny nostril
• Sneezing or nasal congestion
• Cough
• Fever.

Children may also expertise signs, together with a barking cough and ear infections.

Furthermore, RSV is the most typical reason behind bronchiolitis in infants. In reality, over 60 p.c of youngsters would have been contaminated by their first birthday.

However, the antibodies that you simply develop throughout this early childhood an infection don’t forestall you from catching RSV all through life.

How to forestall catching RSV

Fortunately, you’ll be able to scale back your danger of contracting the virus or passing it on to others.

The UKHSA states: “Transmission can be reduced through standard infection control practices such as respiratory hygiene, hand washing with soap and warm water, and cleaning of surfaces.

“Ideally, people with colds should avoid close contact with newborn babies, infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks), children under two born with heart or lung conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.”

There’s no particular remedy for RSV an infection so the goal is to ease signs and give attention to supporting the affected person.

There’s an anti-viral drug, referred to as ribavirin, licensed for the remedy of RSV an infection which is usually utilized in extreme instances.

However, it might be related to toxicity and its effectiveness will not be established.