RSV

What is RSV?
Who is most at risk?
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Long-term effects

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most of us with healthy immune systems will not be harmed, but babies who are born prematurely or young children who have lung disease are at high risk of becoming unwell, often seriously, from RSV. It causes inflammation and obstruction of the lungs' tiniest airways (acute bronchiolitis) in approximately 70 per cent of infants and is the most common reason for a child to be admitted to hospital with a lung infection in Europe. RSV infection is thought to be spread mainly by physical contact, especially through hand contact. The virus can survive for several hours on toys, work surfaces and on used tissues. It can also be passed through sneezing and coughing like the common cold.

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Who is most at risk?

Certain groups of infants are more likely to acquire RSV than others. Particularly at risk are premature babies in the first few months of their life and babies born very early who required additional oxygen for more than one month after birth. Other high risk groups are those with congenital heart disease, babies with immune problems and those with cystic fibrosis.

By the age of two, virtually all children in the UK will have developed antibodies to RSV, indicating that they have come into contact with RSV and built up some resistance to it. Despite this, older children and adults, especially the elderly, can also contract RSV.

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Symptoms

Cases of RSV are highest in late autumn, winter and early spring, generally between October and March. Symptoms of the condition usually first appear in the form of the common cold. These include runny nose, mild fever, sore throat, mild cough, blocked nose and ear infection. After three to five days symptoms may worsen as the virus spreads to the lungs (lower respiratory tract). These include breathlessness, rapid breathing, wheezing and a strong cough. RSV can also cause acute viral croup (obstruction of the larynx) and viral pneumonia.

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Treatment

Paracetamol preparations such as Calpol are helpful in reducing temperature and making infants feel comfortable. Passive immunisation has recently become available via a series of injections, which can be given to high risk babies in the first few months of life. Consult your GP for further information.

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Prevention

There are simple actions you can take to help your child avoid being infected:

• Frequent hand washing among family members and carers is very important, especially before handling your baby.
• Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue right away.
• If possible, try to keep your baby away from other people with coughs and colds, particularly during the cold season. If your child is at high risk try to avoid crowded environments.
• Wash toys used by children who have symptoms of a cold. Viruses can live on the surfaces of tables and toys for several hours. Discourage other people from kissing your baby.
• Do not expose your baby to a smoky environment from cigarettes, either in your home, or outside. If your baby has a cold that doesn't improve rapidly, or if you have any questions regarding your baby's condition, ask your doctor for advice.

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Long-term effects

Some babies with RSV continue to have recurrent respiratory symptoms throughout childhood. It is estimated that, of all the babies admitted to hospital with the disease, 30% will still be having recurrent wheezing episodes 10 years later.

You may also find the information on the Bronchiolitis and your baby page on this website useful.