Respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus) causes respiratory infections in babies and young children. We reveal what you should know about it.
What is the RS virus?
The respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus or RSV) is the most common cause of respiratory disease in infants and young children up to three years of age and causes symptoms similar to colds. The disease can take a very serious course up to the third month of life. Premature babies are often affected by the RS virus, but adults can also become infected. With them, however, the RS virus is usually much milder.
Lung diseases as a result: the RS virus is not child's play
In infants, on the other hand, the viruses often migrate from the upper to the lower airways in the case of RS infection. These are still quite narrow at an early age – which can seriously affect the bronchi and lungs in the event of an infection. In the worst case, pneumonia, bronchitis or so-called bronchiolitis can develop (Inflammation of the smallest bronchi, also known as bronchioles). Over the course of life, the airways enlarge, which reduces the risk of these diseases.
Cause: How can I get infected?
Like the common cold, the RS virus is one of the so-called droplet infections – that is, the pathogens are transmitted from person to person (for example through the breath). But further infections can also arise through hands or objects with which an infected person has had contact.
What are the symptoms of the RS virus?
In fact, almost every child goes through an acute RSV infection by the age of two. It is also possible to get infected a second time ("Reininfection"), but the infection often remains in the upper respiratory tract and is no longer as difficult. The following applies to every RSV infection: The symptoms are not always so easy to distinguish from those of a normal cold. The following complaints can occur:
- to cough
- sniff
- Sore throat
- fever
- Breathing too fast
- Refusal to drink
What treatment helps against the RS virus?
There is no direct cure for RS virus infection – only the patient's symptoms can be alleviated. In mild cases, adults and children from the age of four can help in addition to bed rest, for example, home remedies for coughs and home remedies for colds until the virus has subsided. In addition, the loss of fluid should be compensated for with plenty of water. Babies and infants with possible secondary diseases such as pneumonia should be placed under close medical observation and, if necessary, treated clinically in hospital.
Can I protect my child from RSV?
There is currently no vaccination against the RS virus and, as with many respiratory infections, it is difficult to protect yourself against it in everyday life. Regular hand washing with soap can at least reduce the risk of infection. Sick people should, if possible, keep their distance from healthy people for at least seven days.
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