Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the respiratory system, especially in newborns and young children. This virus can lead to infections in the upper respiratory tract, such as the common cold, or in the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Although most cases are mild, the virus may pose a risk to infants, especially those with other health problems. In the following report, the Dalili Medical website reviews the symptoms and causes of syncytial virus in newborns, according to our sources.

**What is respiratory syncytial virus?**

 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viruses that infect the respiratory system. It often causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children, such as fever, nasal congestion, and cough. However, this virus can cause serious lung infections and bronchitis, especially in infants, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions. The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection increases among infants before their second birthday.

**Respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19**

 

Respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) are similar in that they are viral infections of the respiratory system, and their symptoms are somewhat similar. However, there are some differences between them, which we explain below:

Coronavirus poses a greater risk to adults, although it can also infect children, but cases of COVID-19 among infants are rare. On the other hand, the danger of respiratory syncytial virus is concentrated on infants under the age of two and older people over the age of 65, in addition to people who suffer from chronic diseases such as heart and lung disorders and weak immunity. Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus may lead to hospitalization in infants for treatment, while symptoms in adults and older children remain within the range of the common cold.

**Causes of respiratory syncytial virus infection**

 

1. **Viral infection**
Respiratory syncytial virus is transmitted through droplets produced by an infected person's cough or sneeze. The virus can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.

2. **Weak immune system**
Newborns have an incomplete immune system, making them more susceptible to infection with various viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus.

3. **Premature birth**
Babies who are born prematurely (premature) are more likely to develop serious symptoms as a result of their lungs not fully developing.

4. **Exposure to cigarette smoke**
Children exposed to cigarette smoke are more susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus infection and its complications.

5. **Being in crowded places**
Such as nurseries or crowded public places, which increases the risk of transmission of the virus.
**Who are the children most at risk of contracting respiratory syncytial virus?**

 

Children who are considered to be in the risk group for respiratory syncytial virus infection are:

- Infants, especially premature babies under 6 months old.
- Children who suffer from congenital heart disease or chronic heart disease.
- Children or adults with a weakened immune system as a result of diseases such as cancer or due to certain treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Immunocompromised children. Respiratory syncytial virus is also considered very dangerous in elderly people who suffer from chronic lung diseases. It can also cause recurrent upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adults.
- Children with neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy.
- Adults with heart or lung disease.
- Older adults, especially those over 65 years of age.
- Premature babies.
- Children with chronic lung diseases who stay for long periods in neonatal intensive care units and receive mechanical ventilation and intensive oxygen therapy.

**Is RSV dangerous?**

In most cases, it is not considered serious, but it may be in some cases, such as infants younger than six months, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.

**Is RSV contagious?**

Yes, the virus is highly contagious.

**Can respiratory syncytial virus infect adults?**

Yes, it can affect adults, but it is more common among children.

**How ​​is respiratory syncytial virus transmitted?**

Transmission of respiratory syncytial virus is facilitated by the use of contact items and infectious agents. While the possibility of droplet transmission is low, the disease usually appears within a day or two after infection, and may last up to a week.

**What diseases does respiratory syncytial virus cause?**

Respiratory syncytial virus can cause pneumonia, otitis media, and upper respiratory tract infections, especially in newborns. Cases of pneumonia may require hospitalization. Adults and young people who develop pneumonia caused by this virus can also suffer from future problems such as asthma, reactive airways, and chronic lung disease.

**What are the symptoms that require hospitalization when infected with respiratory syncytial virus?**

If the patient has difficulty breathing, breathing at an abnormal rate, or bruising on the body, it is recommended that he be admitted to the hospital. It is also preferable to treat children under 6 months of age who suffer from congenital heart and lung disorders, as well as children who cannot follow the home treatment protocol properly.

**What is the difference between the common cold and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?**

It is considered RSVOne of many viruses that cause the common cold, it may be difficult to determine which virus your child has. However, it does not matter much to know the type of virus, because the treatment remains the same: adequate rest and fluid intake, while not using antibiotics because they are ineffective against viruses. But RSV may lead to additional problems in some children, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and may worsen existing conditions such as asthma.

**Is there a vaccine to prevent RSV?**

 

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent RSV. However, researchers are working to develop vaccines and antiviral treatments aimed at protecting infants and young children, as well as pregnant women, from severe infection caused by this virus. If your child is exposed to RSV a second time during the same season, his or her symptoms will likely be less severe than the first time.

**Symptoms of syncytial virus in children**

 

Respiratory syncytial virus causes cold-like symptoms in older children, while more severe symptoms appear in infants. Symptoms begin to appear about 4 to 6 days after infection.

Here are the most important symptoms of syncytial virus in children:

- difficulty breathing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Increase in breathing rate.
- cough.
- Fever.
- A feeling of lethargy and laziness.
- Runny nose.
- sneezing.
- Sore throat.
- Mild headache.

Some babies may suffer more than others, especially if they have heart problems or were born prematurely.
**Symptoms of syncytial virus in infants**

 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants has clear symptoms, unlike adults who may not have strong signs. Below are the most prominent symptoms that may appear in infants:

1. **Nasal congestion and runny nose**
Nasal congestion is an early and common symptom, often accompanied by a runny nose.

2. **cough**
The cough usually starts out mild and gets worse as the infection progresses, and may be dry or produce phlegm.

3. **Difficulty breathing**
The child may show signs of difficulty breathing, such as rapid or labored breathing, which may be accompanied by a whistling or wheezing sound.

4. **Fever**
The child may have a mild fever, and in some cases the fever may be high.

5. **Low appetite**
The baby may lose the desire to breastfeed or eat due to fatigue and difficulty breathing.

6. **Lethargy or irritability**
The child may seem less active than usual or more irritable.

7. **Blue**
In severe cases, the child may develop bluing of the lips or skin, indicating a lack of oxygen.

Other symptoms include decreased activity and movement, and shortness of breath for periods of up to 10 seconds. It is important to note that an infant's high temperature is not a common symptom of syncytial virus.

**Is syncytial virus contagious?**

 

Respiratory syncytial virus is considered a highly contagious virus, as it can be transmitted through sneezing or coughing, or through contact with infected people or surfaces contaminated with the virus.

The virus spreads most in crowded settings such as schools and child care homes, and the period from fall to spring is the most common period for infection to spread.

Direct contact with infected children is one of the fastest ways to transmit syncytial virus, as an infected child can transmit the infection for a period ranging from 3 to 8 days. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate the infected child from others to limit the spread of infection.

The syncytial virus can remain on hard surfaces for several hours, which requires cleaning the infected child's belongings, such as toys and bedding, on a regular basis.

**When should you visit a doctor?**

 

The severity of RSV infection in children varies from mild to severe, with severe cases can lead to complications such as bronchiolitis. You should contact your doctor and visit him if the following symptoms appear:

- Difficulty breathing, as the child’s ribs can appear during breathing.
- Dehydration of the child, which can be manifested by the child crying without tears.
- Blue color in the child, such as blue nails or mouth due to lack of oxygen.
- High temperature, as fever begins when the temperature reaches 38 or 39 degrees Celsius.
- Nasal secretions that hinder breathing.

**Home care tips**

To protect against severe viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, it is recommended that:

- Make sure that your child drinks sufficient amounts of fluids, as warm fluids help relieve cold symptoms.

- To treat a runny or stuffy nose:
 - Use a cool mist humidifier, and be sure to clean it after each use.
 -For infants, put a few drops of saline solution in the baby's nose, then use a rubber suction syringe to remove the mucus.
 - For older children, saline nasal spray can be used two sprays three times daily for four days.

- If there is irritation in the skin under the child's nose, you can apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to relieve the discomfort.

- For children over 12 months old, they can be given one or two tablespoons of honey in the evening to help relieve cough, but you should avoid giving it to children under this age.

- For children older than 6 years, hard candy or lozenges can be offered to relieve sore throat and cough.

- If soap and water are not available to wash hands, a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.

**How ​​long does syncytial virus last**

 

Most cases of respiratory syncytial virus infection disappear naturally within one to two weeks, as there is no specific treatment for this infection.

**RSV virus and its treatment**

 

**Simple and moderate cases:**
Mild to moderate symptoms are usually treated with:

1. **Pain relievers and antipyretics:** They are used to relieve pain and lower temperature. The most common analgesics available are:
 - **Paracetamol:** Known by trade names such as Cetal, BarParamol and Panadol.
 **Ibuprofen:** It is available under names such as Brufen, Megafen, and Cetafen.

2. **Nasal solutions:** Washing the nose with sea water or salt solution helps clean the nose of mucus and relieve cough. The most prominent of these solutions are:
 - **Seawater solution:** such as Physiomer and Sinomarine.
 - **Saline solution:** such as Otriven Baby Saline and Lyse.

3. **Provide fluids constantly:** Fluids help prevent dehydration, contribute to reducing fever and dissolving mucus.

4. **Complete rest:** Rest enhances the speed of recovery and strengthens immunity.

**Severe cases:**
Severe cases require prompt treatment by a doctor, and some cases may require hospitalization. Treatment options for severe symptoms can include:

- **Intravenous solutions:** to provide the patient with the basic elements he needs.
- **Oxygen:** In cases where the patient suffers from a lack of oxygen.
- **Respirators:** by inserting a tube into the mouth to help the patient breathe.
- **Removing mucus from the airway:** Using a thin tube inserted into the lungs to clean them.
- **Medicines:** such as antivirals to help the body fight the virus.

**Treatment of RSV virus with medications:**
The doctor may prescribe certain medications to relieve the severity of symptoms or control RSV infection and reduce the duration of the illness. Pharmacological options include:

1. **Antivirals:** They are used in cases of severe RSV infection, as they work to stop the reproduction of the virus, such as the drug ribavirin.

2. **Bronchodilators:** They reduce the tone of the bronchial muscles, which improves air flow in the lungs. Examples include albuterol and epinephrine, often given by inhalation. However, the effectiveness of bronchodilators in treating RSV remains incompletely proven.

3. **Monoclonal antibodies:** Immune globulin products are used to prevent RSV infection, especially in high-risk patients. An example is palivizumab, which is commonly used to treat RSV in underweight or premature infants, as they are more susceptible to RSV complications.