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Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Human respiratory synctial virus, or RSV, is a viral class that includes the respiratory viruses which cause measles and mumps. It can cause respiratory tract infection in all ages, and is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children. 60% of children are typically infected in their first year during the winter or rainy season, when respiratory syncytial virus is widespread. Nearly all will be infected by the time they reach the age of 3. Respiratory syncytial virus can cause repeated infection, even within the same season.

Most RSV causes cold-like symptoms, but in some children it can cause bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalization and rarely causing death ( mostly in premature infants or patients with a weakened immune system ). Recurrent or severe infection at a young age is thought to be associated with wheezing and asthma later.

A vaccine for this virus is problematic, but a live version has been developed for limited use in infants. Most treatment for respiratory synctial virus consists of large quantities of liquids and sometimes the administration of oxygen. Ribavirin was used at one point, but its effectiveness has been called into question and is now less frequently used.

Web Resources On Respiratory Syncytial Virus

CDC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus
MedLinePlus: RSV

Book Resources On Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory Syncytial Virus by Icon Health Publications
Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Respiratory Syncytial Virus by Weisman & Groothuis

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