What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? How to tackle it

Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV is a contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. The symptoms may range from mild, cold-like symptoms, but the infection could result in serious infections, especially in infants, young children, older adults, and debilitated immunized persons. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (i.e. inflammation of the small airways) and pneumonia in young children, especially one year of age and under. Pregnant females are also included in the list because if not treated in time, it might have serious implications in the newborns. RSV is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly and primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms of RSV:

The symptoms of RSV range from the general cold to severe respiratory distress. Some of the general symptoms include:

• Nasal discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

In infants and young children, it may lead to more serious symptoms like

• Rapid or labored breathing
• Bluish skin secondary to shortage of oxygen (cyanosis)
• Apnea (cessation of breathing)
• Irritability and somnolence
• Poor feeding leads to dehydration

In pregnant women, RSV does not manifest with a more severe condition than that of the typical cold but the infection presents dangers in the infant who may develop into severe respiratory conditions.

Causes of RSV:

RSV is triggered by the respiratory syncytial virus, which typically enters the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets. Since it spreads very easily and can survive on contaminated surfaces, close contact with an infected person is an easy conduit for the virus to access someone's body. Infants are the most susceptible to serious complications related to RSV due to their underdeveloped immune system. Pregnant women are thus cautioned to take precautions to avoid infection since their newborns catch the virus from them shortly after birth.

Treatment for RSV:

No antiviral treatment is available for RSV to date. For mild infections I recommend rest, fluid intake, and medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat the discomfort. Babies may be given a cool-mist humidifier and saline nasal drops to relieve breathing distress as well. For severe cases, especially among babies, and in high-risk patients, hospital admission is required.


Hospital treatment in such conditions involves:

• Breathing support through oxygen therapy
• Intravenous fluids for dehydration
• Mechanical ventilation in case of severe respiratory distress

RSV is one of the common viruses that are caught by most people but could be serious for infants and young children. Pregnant women are advised to take preventive measures for this virus, as risks come with its catch because it can affect the newborn child. The move by WHO's recommendation towards vaccination of pregnant women against the virus of RSV is a very critical step at defending the world's youngest and most vulnerable from this respiratory disease. Since the prevention and management of RSV through vaccination, hygiene practices, and timely medical care can reduce its effects significantly on public health in the world.
(Author: Dr. Deepika Aggarwal, Director - Obs and Gynae at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram)