RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) BY: NICOLE STEVENS

Definition RSV is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in neonates and especially those in high risk groups. Most infants will have had this infection by the age of 2 Outbreaks usually begin in autumn and end in spring

Transmission Spread via droplets from the nose/mouth from coughing, sneezing or off surfaces You can catch it if you: Touch, kiss or shake hands with someone who has RSV Are sneezed or coughed on Touch you nose, eyes or mouth after you have touched a contaminated surface Can live for half an hour or more on hands and hours on surfaces and tissues

Risk Factors Attending child care Being near cigarette smoke Having school aged siblings Living in crowded conditions

Treatment Antibiotics don’t work Mild infections will go away without treatment Severe cases may require hospitalisation Treatment may include: Oxygen PRN IV fluids Respiratory support as required

Prognosis Rarely causes death, but risks are increased in the following infants: Premature Those with chronic lung disease Those with depressed immune systems Those with certain forms of heart disease

Prevention Hand hygiene, hand hygiene and hand hygiene Avoid contact between older siblings and neonates Avoid contact between anyone who has a cold and neonates Don’t smoke inside Avoided crowded areas if you have a high risk infant with you Vaccination (palivizumab) for high risk infants who are less than 24 months of age.