Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

Answer 1

My son had this when he was 6 weeks old and ended up staying in the hospital for quite awhile. Read this....
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause severe lower respiratory infections in children younger than two years of age and milder upper respiratory infections in older children and adults. RSV infection in young children is also called bronchiolitis, because it is marked by inflammation of the bronchioles, the narrow airways that lead from the large airways (bronchi) to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and sometimes respiratory failure.


Description

RSV infection is caused by a group of viruses found worldwide. There are two different subtypes of the virus with numerous different strains. Taken together, these viruses account for a significant number of deaths in infants.

RSV infection shows distinctly different symptoms, depending on the age of the infected person. In young children, the virus causes a serious lower respiratory infection in the lungs. In older children and healthy adults, it causes a mild upper respiratory infection often mistaken for the common cold.

Although anyone can get this disease, infants suffer the most serious symptoms and complications. Breast-feeding seems to provide partial protection from the virus. Conditions in infants that increase their risk of infection include:

premature birth
lower socio-economic environment
congenital heart disease
chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis
immune system deficiencies, including HIV infection
immunosuppressive therapy, such as that given to organ transplant or cancer patients
Many older children and adults get RSV infection, but the symptoms are so similar to the common cold that the true cause is undiagnosed. People of any age with compromised immune systems, either from such diseases as AIDS or leukemia, or as the result of chemotherapy or corticosteroid medications, and patients with chronic lung disease are more at risk for serious RSV infections.


Demographics

RSV infection is primarily a disease of winter or early spring, with waves of illness sweeping through a community. The rate of RSV infection is estimated to be 11.4 cases for every 100 children during their first year of life. In the United States, RSV infection occurs most frequently in infants between the ages of two months and six months.

Respiratory syncytial virus is spread through close contact with an infected person. It has been shown that if a person with RSV infection sneezes, the virus can be carried to others within a radius of 6 feet (1.8 m). This group of viruses can live on the hands for up to half an hour and on toys or other inanimate objects for several hours.

Scientists had, as of 2004, not understood why RSV viruses attack the lower respiratory system in infants and the upper respiratory system in adults. In infants, RSV begins with such cold symptoms as a low fever, runny nose, and sore throat. Soon, other symptoms appear that suggest an infection that involves the lower airways. Some of these symptoms resemble those of asthma. RSV infection is suggested by the following characteristics:

wheezing and high-pitched, whistling breathing
rapid breathing (more than 40 breaths per minute)
shortness of breath
labored breathing out (exhalations)
bluish tinge to the skin (cyanosis)
croupy, seal-like, barking cough
high fever
Breathing problems occur in RSV infections because the bronchioles swell, making it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. If the child is having trouble breathing, immediate medical care is needed. Breathing problems are most common in infants under one year of age; they can develop rapidly.


Physical examination and imaging studies

RSV infection is usually diagnosed during a physical examination by the pediatrician or primary care doctor. The doctor listens with a stethoscope for wheezing and other abnormal lung sounds in the patient's chest. The doctor will also take into consideration whether there is a known outbreak of RSV infection in the area. Chest x rays give some indication of whether the lungs are hyperinflated from an effort to move air in and out. X rays may also show the presence of a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.

http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/respiratory-syncytial-virus-infection

Answer 2

My son is 15 months old and has been hospitalized for Bronchiolitis due to viruses but not RSV. Bronchiolitis is an inflammation in the small air ways in the lungs BRONCHITIS is inflammation of the large air way of the lungs both can be caused by a virus of infection You most likely have the same virus you daughter has. I was told not to send my son to day care after he came home from the hospital till the runny nose and cough were gone for a day or two If he was in day care. My son cought the virus from his big sister and I got it from my son. My son hated the breathing treatments but the respiratory therapist said it is actually better if they cry during the treatment because the medication is drawn in to the lungs deeper so is more affective. My son is now on an inhaler daily. I hope you little girl feels better soon

Answer 3

This is commonly refered to as RSV and is a common virus that most everybody has or has had and most people fight it off without ever knowing they have it. However, if a baby gets it, it can be very serious. Sometimes, babies end up in the hospital if they get it.

Answer 4

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