Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes cold-like symptoms in children and adults.
Usually prevalent in winter and early spring, most children experience RSV infection by the age of 2
Symptoms of RSV infection are similar to those of the common cold.
Sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, etc. may occur
However, in the case of infants, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly, serious complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia may occur.
So, if you have a fever, cough, wheezing, etc., it is recommended to consult a doctor.
RSV infection usually clears up on its own without treatment, but in severe cases it can lead to complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, so it's a good idea to see your doctor if symptoms are severe or persist for a long time.
To prevent RSV infection, we recommend that you:
- Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
RSV is spread by droplets or contact
- Infants at high risk of RSV infection may be given an injection of a monoclonal antibody called palivizumab. These injections are prophylactic for one month and must be given 5 times during the epidemic
- When RSV infection is prevalent, avoid crowded places and be careful of the spread of infection in postpartum care centers, neonatal rooms, and infant care facilities. Recently, five newborns were infected with RSV at a postpartum care center in Gangnam, Seoul.
Mortality rates from RSV infection vary by country and age group, but are generally low. In the UK, RSV infections cause 29,000 hospitalizations and 80 deaths each year, while in the US 58,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths.
Although there are no exact statistics in Korea, it is estimated that the death rate from RSV infection is about 2.5 times higher than that from influenza.
RSV infection is an acute respiratory infection caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause serious complications in infants and the elderly.
Unfortunately, there are currently no specific antiviral drugs to treat RSV infection, and most of them proceed with conservative treatment (infusions, antipyretics, etc.) according to symptoms.
Hospitalized infants may benefit from ribavirin aspiration therapy.
However, since many efforts are being made to develop an effective treatment and vaccine for RSV infection, I would like to believe that a good vaccine will come out someday.
Most RSV infections are cured naturally, so you can receive conservative treatment according to the symptoms.
