Doctor names symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection for which there is no vaccine

Professor of the Department of Biomedical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Synergy University Medical School

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSVI) is a seasonal acute viral disease. Predominantly young children (up to five years old) are affected by this infection. RSVI disease is characterized by lower respiratory tract involvement and intoxication.

With an unfavorable course, the disease can turn into the development of a severe form of pneumonia and even fatal outcome of the patient.

Where did the virus come from

RSV infection, like influenza, has a pronounced seasonality and, according to WHO, is one of the most important causative agents of acute respiratory infections. A person can get sick with this infection many times.

The virus was first detected in 1956 when studying rhinitis in chimpanzees, and in 1957 R. Chenok (USA) isolated similar strains of the virus from children with RSVI.

The peak season often occurs in the winter or spring months, depending on the region. The virus has little persistence in the external environment and is highly sensitive to disinfectants and boiling.

Often the peak seasonality of RSV infection coincides with that of influenza virus, which in turn determines the difficulty in making a correct diagnosis.

Sources and symptoms of the virus

The source of RSV infection is a sick person or a virus carrier. The virus is predominantly transmitted by airborne droplets, less frequently by airborne dust or household contact.

People of all ages become ill, but it mainly affects children. In a child under six months of age, the infection is particularly severe, with the possible development of pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children have had fewer RSV infections in the last two years, and thus the immune layer has decreased.

Now RSV infection is “making up for lost time” from previous years.

Usually RSV infection manifests itself as a common cold with symptoms of cough, runny nose, and sometimes fever.

An important difference from the symptoms of influenza or COVID-19: when a child with RSV infection breathes, wheezing is often heard, sometimes accompanied by whistling (the uniqueness of RSV symptoms).

Unlike RSVI, influenza begins acutely, with a febrile temperature of 39.5 or higher, with acute manifestation of all symptoms of the disease and marked intoxication, and coughing in influenza is observed later (on the second or third day).

RSV infection is more similar in symptomatology to COVID-19: the latter can have a pathologic effect outside the lung tissue.

Common to all viral infections are loss of taste and smell, vomiting and diarrhea (in 30% of all children with RSV), viral rash and mild allergies in children.

Immunity after RSV infection is short-lived. Re-infection is possible.

How not to get infected

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are most commonly used to diagnose RSVI.

A highly effective vaccine to prevent RSV infection has not been developed. It is necessary to observe personal hygiene measures, wash hands regularly and use hand sanitizers. Disinfect contact surfaces, especially if someone is sick in the family.