RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) – A GROWING MENACE

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a viral infection that causes respiratory tract infections in humans. It is one of the most common sources of lower respiratory tract problems in infants or children.

Notably, babies that are born premature (pre-term babies) are at a higher risk to RSV and they would need placement in the Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) for proper care. In temperate regions, RSV is almost regular during winter but in tropical climates like Nigeria, it is common during the rainy season.

In Africa, RSV seems not be given as much consideration despite posing a serious threat to infanthood. A study by the World Health Organization in 2004 reported that the 3-5 months and 9-11 months’ age ranges in Nigeria had the highest prevalence rate of RSV that led to lower respiratory infections (LRI). RSV is a contagious infection that can lead to severe respiratory problems.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
For adults, RSV would not be much different from common cold. For infants, a common sign is the inflammation of the airways in the lungs. It is known to start with mild cough and fever, runny nose, and ear infection.
Severe cases include difficulty in breathing, severe coughing and trouble eating and sleeping. It could degenerate into acute respiratory issues like pneumonia or bronchiolitis for infants born premature or with congenital heart diseases. RSV worsens the cases of infants that are predisposed to asthma.

METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
RSV is mostly transmitted via physical contact. It spreads through coughing and sneezing as well. It is very stubborn, and can live on contact surfaces such as toys, doorknobs and plain surfaces for several hours. This makes infection control a priority as soon as RSV is established. Very high levels of personal hygiene are required for individuals with high risks of infection. RSV can last up to eight days while the symptoms can remain after a month.

PREVENTION OF RSV
Personal hygiene is crucial to prevent the viral infection. Some tips for preventing infants from this disease includes:
• Regular hand wash with soap and water around infants (or use of sanitizers)
• Use of tissue paper during coughing and sneezing and disposal after use
• During RSV prevalence periods, keep infants away from anyone with fever, cough and cold until they are fine again
• Discouraging others from kissing infants
• For infants with very high risk, avoiding of crowded places and washing toys used by children who show symptoms of cold and cough will be helpful in avoiding RSV.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Pre-term babies have underdeveloped lungs, this makes them have the highest risk of RSV infection. The underdeveloped lungs contribute to increased risk for the disease and leads to cardiopulmonary complications. Exposures to tobacco smoke, living in crowded places and regular contact with other kids are additional risk factors.
Aside pre-term babies, infants with congenital heart disease – heart defects from birth – or acute lung diseases are also at serious risk of developing RSV.

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