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Health tips: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Dear Reader,

Increased cases of flu and RSV infection, primarily affecting young children, have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a health alert. RSV is a common respiratory infection in children. Adults also may become infected.

In adults and older, otherwise healthy children, the infection typically mimics the common cold. Symptoms usually improve in seven to 10 days. But young children, especially less than 6 months of age, children or adults with weakened immune systems, heart disease or lung disease and adults over age 65 are at more risk for severe or sometimes life-threatening RSV infections.

In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required so that doctors can monitor and treat breathing problems and give intravenous fluids. Complications can include pneumonia, bronchiolitis and middle ear infection (otitis media).

Signs and symptoms:

Congested or runny nose
Dry cough
Low-grade fever
Sore throat
Mild headache

Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may reduce symptoms. In severe cases, a doctor might prescribe a bronchodilator or ribavirin (Virazole), an antiviral medicine.

Self-care: To help ease breathing, use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to humidify air. Sitting upright makes breathing easier. Offer the sick person plenty of fluids to drink, including warm ones such as soup. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops may ease congestion.

Prevention: There's no vaccine against this disease, but the medication palivizumab (Synagis) may decrease the risk of hospitalization and limit the severity of the illness. It’s given monthly to children at high risk during the peak season for the infection.

Yours in good health,

Dan Harke, Publisher

Mayo Clinic Press

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