User:Mr. Ibrahem/Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infection of the respiratory tract. While it often only results in mild common cold symptoms; in babies bronchiolitis or pneumonia may occur. Symptoms begin 2 to 8 days after exposure. The elderly and immunocompromised may also develop serious disease. Long-term complications may include wheezing.

It typically spreads via contaminated droplets in the air or on objects. It may also possibly be airborne. Following infection via the eyes or nose, the virus infects epithelial cells of the upper and lower airway, causing inflammation, cell damage, and airway obstruction. It is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Diagnosis may be based on real time PCR, antigen testing, or viral culture.

Prevention includes hand washing, face masks, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and palivizumab or nirsevimab in high-risk infants. A vaccine against RSV for those over 60 years was approved in the United States in 2023. Treatment is primarily supportive and may include oxygen, CPAP, or nasal high flow oxygen. In cases of respiratory failure, intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required. Ribavirin may be used in children, though its use is controversial. Most people recover in a week or two.

RSV is common. Often it occurs as outbreaks in communities. It is the most common cause of hospitalization of babies for breathing problems, and reinfection in later life is common. It is the second most common cause of death from pneumonia. While about 120,000 children die from RSV, death is rare in the developed world. About 8,500 adults die per year in the United Kingdom. It occurs more commonly during winter months. The virus was discovered in 1956.