In the United States, the number of infants and young children suffering from acute respiratory infections caused by “respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)” is increasing rapidly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of RSV infection and RSV-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations are on the rise in many parts of the United States. In an interview with Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, CBS said in an interview with Dr.
What is the current situation in the country? According to the “2022 Infectious Disease Sample Surveillance Weekly” published by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on 3, the number of patients with acute viral respiratory infection from 23 to 29 October (week 44) was 1,079, an increase of 930 since Previous week. Among them, 289 patients with respiratory syncytial virus infection accounted for approximately 26.8%. Looking at the number of patients in the last 5 weeks, 287 at 40 weeks → 309 at 41 weeks → 266 at 42 weeks → 248 at 43 weeks → 289 at 44 weeks, maintaining more than 200 after 37 weeks (152).
RSV infection is an acute respiratory infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection | Source: Getty Images Bank
RSV infection, especially in infants and children
RSV infection is an acute respiratory infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. RSV infection is more common in newborns and infants than adults and infectivity is known to be high enough to infect almost all children before age 3 years.
The RSV incubation period is 2 to 8 days and typical symptoms of RSV infection include runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Adults usually have mild symptoms, such as a cold, but in infants and children it can cause lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Immunocompromised adults and the elderly are at risk of developing serious infections.
RSV infection is prevalent each year from October to March of the following year and special attention is needed in the cold winter. In winter, immunity to viruses decreases and the virus spreads relatively more, increasing the risk of developing infectious respiratory diseases. In this context, Jung Ki-seok, head of the Crown 19 Special Response Team and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Infectious Disease Crisis Response, said in a regular briefing on the 7th: “In addition to the recent COVID-19, the influenza, human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus have both started their activities in winter, so respiratory patients There is a very high possibility that there will be a sharp increase
In most cases, symptomatic treatment is sufficient.According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conservative treatment such as fluid intake and antipyretic drugs is provided depending on the symptoms.
Practice washing your hands and avoid contact if you have symptoms.
Above all, strict hygiene management is essential to prevent RSV infection. First, after going out, wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds. When washing your hands, be sure to thoroughly clean your fingertips and under your nails. In particular, caregivers of newborns should wash their hands before and after contact with newborns. Since it is spread by respiratory droplets, it is also important to observe the cough label. If you have symptoms, be sure to wear a mask and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cloth when you cough or sneeze. Because RSV is highly contagious and can lead to group infections, more thorough hygiene management is needed to prevent transmission in postpartum care centers and childcare facilities.
If symptoms are suspected, avoid contact with others and, if possible, rest at home. RSV may be excreted several days before the onset of symptoms, and the secretion may continue for about a week after symptoms develop. During this period it is recommended to avoid contact with others and to wear a mask as much as possible.
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