Severe respiratory infections caused by RSV pose a real danger to vulnerable children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus commonly involved in lower respiratory tract infections in both infants and young children. RSV infections are the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 1 year of age;
RSV generally causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold, but babies born prematurely or with certain lung or heart problems are at increased risk of developing a serious infection that often requires hospitalization, including intensive care units and even l ‘oxygen therapy;
The risk of RSV infection can be reduced by following basic hygiene and infection control measures, complemented by drug prevention.
At the start of the viral infection season, medical specialists draw attention to the danger posed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among prematurely born babies. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can easily spread from person to person. In children, RSV generally causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. But in babies born prematurely or with certain lung or heart problems, it can cause severe respiratory infections that require hospitalization. Therefore, the specialists’ advice is that during the cold period when RSV outbreak is likely, children at high risk of severe RSV infection should benefit from treatment that will protect them.
Respiratory syncytial virus is easily spread through sneezing or coughing, direct person-to-person contact or sharing drinking containers / cutlery, etc. and contact with a surface on which the virus is located. For example, the virus can survive for 30 minutes or more on unwashed hands and up to 6 hours on the surface of toys, keyboards, or doorknobs.
At first, the symptoms of RSV infection may be similar to those of a cold and may include: mild fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, headache, mild. In severe forms, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing severe infections such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. In these cases, symptoms may include fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, decreased appetite, unusual irritability or tiredness, and bluish skin.
Experts invited to inform about VSR are well-known names in the medical world of Timișoara
Prof. Dr. Ioana Ciucăprimary care physician of pediatrics, primary care physician of pediatric pulmonology, department coordinator of pediatric pulmonology, pediatric clinic II, county clinical hospital.
Dr. Mihai Sorin Iacobgeneral practitioner in family medicine, specialist in pediatrics, training instructor in family medicine and general ultrasound, national coordinator and founding member of the SNMF Ultrasound Working Group.
Prof. Dr. Mărioara Boiageneral practitioner of neonatology, general practitioner of pediatrics, head of the clinic of neonatology of prematurity, hospital of the pediatric emergency clinic “Louis Țurcanu”.
The respiratory syncytial virus frequently infects the lower respiratory tract, the infections caused by it are the main cause of hospitalization in children under the age of 1 year. A particularly vulnerable category is preterm infants (born before 35 weeks of gestation or less) aged 6 months or younger at the start of the RSV infectious season. According to the Romanian Association of Prematurity, approximately 18,000 babies are born prematurely in our country every year, one every 30 minutes. Complications of RSV infection can also occur in infants or young children (24 months or less) who have some type of chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) or certain congenital heart problems.
The child’s risk of contracting respiratory syncytial virus can be reduced with a few simple prevention methods: washing hands frequently and instructing others to do the same, avoid crowded areas, and interact with other young children, especially those with colds or fever, keep toys, clothes and sheets clean and avoid smoking in or around the baby.
RSV outbreaks can occur at any time of the year. They usually take place in the colder winter months and last an average of 5-6 months. The infectious season of RSV can vary depending on the region, in Romania it runs from October to March.
There is currently no vaccine for this virus, but drugs are available that may be useful in children prone to severe RSV infections. The mother and family of the vulnerable child are advised to maintain constant contact with the doctor. He is able to recommend the behaviors and therapeutic measures necessary to protect the little one during the infectious season.
Further information can be found at: https://desprevsr.ro/
For details contact [email protected]
An event organized by EvolutionMedia, supported by experts in the specialties: Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Neonatology.
With the support of AstraZeneca Romania, October 2022.
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