Dr. Nayef Al-Otaibi, Consultant for Adult Infectious Diseases at King Saud University, said: Syncytial virus is one of the respiratory viruses that have been known since ancient times throughout the world and also in the Kingdom.
Al-Otaibi explained to “News 24This virus is active with the onset of cold weather, starting in October and November through April and May, and reaches its peak activity in January and February.
He added that the symptoms of the virus are similar to the rest of the symptoms of other respiratory viruses, such as high fever, runny nose, cough and loss of appetite in children, and some cases may develop shortness of breath and wheezing in the chest.
And indicated that the virus affects all ages, but premature infants, children under two years of age and children who suffer from chronic diseases of the heart, lung or nervous system or who suffer from immunodeficiency are considered to be most at risk of exposure to the complications of the virus.
He stressed that the virus is transmitted through exposure to respiratory droplets of the infected person, either directly or through contact with contaminated surfaces and then by touching mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth and nose.
He stressed that washing hands is one of the most important means of protection against all respiratory viruses, and it is also necessary to stick to covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and keeping infected people away from high-risk people.
