How can you treat RSV at home. What are the best natural remedies for RSV symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for RSV. What over-the-counter medications are safe for children with RSV.

Understanding RSV: A Highly Contagious Respiratory Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects people of all ages. It’s particularly prevalent during the fall and winter months, with peak infection rates occurring in the coldest part of the year.

Did you know that nearly everyone contracts RSV by their second birthday? In fact, many individuals experience multiple infections throughout their lifetime. Studies indicate that children have a 10 to 20 percent chance of contracting RSV annually, with slightly lower rates observed in adults.

RSV Infection Rates and Reinfection

Can you get RSV more than once in a season? According to Mayo Clinic, it is indeed possible to contract RSV multiple times within a single season. However, subsequent infections typically result in milder symptoms compared to the initial bout.

RSV Symptoms and Risk Factors

For most individuals, RSV manifests as a mild respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms. These may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Headache
• Low-grade fever
• Sore throat

In low-risk groups, these symptoms typically resolve on their own within one to two weeks. However, it’s crucial to note that RSV can lead to severe complications in high-risk populations.

High-Risk Groups for RSV Complications

Who is most vulnerable to severe RSV infections? The following groups are at higher risk for complications:

• Infants and young children
• Older adults
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions
• People with compromised immune systems

In infants, RSV can cause additional symptoms such as decreased appetite due to congestion, making it challenging for them to feed properly.

Home Treatment Strategies for Mild RSV Infections

For individuals not in high-risk groups, mild RSV infections can often be managed at home through supportive care. This approach focuses on alleviating symptoms and promoting comfort during recovery.

Key Elements of Supportive Care for RSV

What are the main components of supportive care for RSV? Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook University, recommends three primary strategies:

1. Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration
2. Getting plenty of rest
3. Using acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and alleviate pain

Is it advisable to use antibiotics for RSV treatment? Dr. Nachman emphasizes that antibiotics are not prescribed for RSV because it is a viral illness, not a bacterial infection. The focus should be on managing symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing process.

Over-the-Counter Medications for RSV Symptom Relief

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can play a crucial role in managing RSV symptoms. Dr. David Banach, associate professor of medicine and head of infection prevention at UConn Health, notes that the choice of OTC drugs depends on individual symptoms.

Recommended OTC Medications for RSV

• Nasal decongestants to relieve congestion
• Cough suppressants to alleviate persistent coughing
• Pain relievers to reduce discomfort and fever

Are OTC medications safe for all age groups? It’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using OTC cough and cold medicines for children under 2 years of age due to potential side effects. For children’s pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used safely when following label instructions.

Special Considerations for Children

What precautions should be taken when treating children with RSV? Here are some key points to remember:

• Never give aspirin to children under 19 years old due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
• Consult a healthcare provider before administering any OTC medications to young children
• Follow dosage instructions carefully for children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Natural Remedies and Home Treatments for RSV

In addition to OTC medications, various natural remedies and home treatments can help alleviate RSV symptoms. These methods can be particularly useful for those seeking non-pharmacological approaches to symptom management.

Effective Natural Remedies for RSV

What are some natural ways to relieve RSV symptoms? Dr. Nachman recommends the following home remedies:

• Honey: Soothes sore throats and helps with coughs (for individuals over 1 year old)
• Vaporizers and humidifiers: Increase air moisture to ease breathing
• Warm baths or showers: Produce steam to clear congestion
• Saline nose drops or sprays: Keep nasal passages moist and relieve stuffiness
• Nasal suctioning with a bulb syringe: Helps clear nasal passages, especially in infants
• Deep breathing exercises: Encourage coughing to expel secretions (for older children and adults)

Is honey safe for all ages? It’s crucial to note that honey should never be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism.

The Role of Hydration in RSV Recovery

Why is staying hydrated so important when dealing with RSV? Proper hydration helps thin mucus secretions, making them easier to expel. It also prevents dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms and slow recovery. Encourage frequent fluid intake, offering water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions as appropriate.

Recognizing Severe RSV Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most RSV cases can be managed at home, it’s crucial to recognize signs that indicate a need for immediate medical intervention. Prompt medical attention can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment for severe cases.

Warning Signs of Severe RSV

What symptoms suggest that an RSV infection requires medical attention? Be alert for the following signs:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• High fever that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medications
• Bluish color of the skin, especially around the lips and nail beds
• Severe coughing or wheezing
• Decreased alertness or activity
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urine output, sunken eyes)

How can parents monitor their baby’s breathing during RSV infection? Dr. Nachman advises parents to closely observe their baby’s breathing patterns. Look for signs of labored breathing, such as rapid chest movements, nostril flaring, or retractions (inward movement of the chest between the ribs or under the ribcage).

Preventing RSV Spread: Hygiene and Precautionary Measures

Given the highly contagious nature of RSV, implementing preventive measures is crucial to minimize its spread within households and communities. By adopting proper hygiene practices and taking precautions, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of RSV transmission.

Effective RSV Prevention Strategies

How can you protect yourself and others from RSV? Consider these preventive measures:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who have cold-like symptoms
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Staying home when feeling unwell to prevent spreading the virus

Is there a vaccine available for RSV? While there is currently no widely available vaccine for RSV, researchers are working on developing preventive measures. Some high-risk infants may be eligible for a monoclonal antibody treatment that provides temporary protection against severe RSV disease.

Special Precautions for High-Risk Individuals

What additional steps should be taken to protect high-risk individuals from RSV? If you or a family member falls into a high-risk category, consider these extra precautions:

• Limit exposure to large crowds during peak RSV season
• Avoid contact with individuals who have cold symptoms
• Ensure all family members and caregivers practice good hand hygiene
• Consider using a face mask in public spaces during RSV season
• Consult with healthcare providers about potential preventive treatments

By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting or spreading RSV, particularly during the peak season.

Long-Term Effects and Recovery from RSV

While most individuals recover from RSV within a week or two, it’s important to understand the potential long-term effects and the recovery process, especially for those who experience more severe infections.

Recovery Timeline and Potential Complications

How long does it typically take to recover from RSV? For most healthy individuals, RSV symptoms resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, some people, particularly those in high-risk groups, may experience a longer recovery period or develop complications.

Potential complications of RSV include:

• Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs)
• Pneumonia
• Worsening of existing chronic conditions, such as asthma or heart disease
• Increased risk of future wheezing or asthma in children who had severe RSV

Can RSV lead to long-term respiratory issues? Some studies suggest that severe RSV infections in infancy may be associated with an increased risk of recurrent wheezing or asthma later in childhood. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Post-RSV Care and Monitoring

What steps should be taken after recovering from RSV? Consider the following post-recovery care:

• Follow up with healthcare providers, especially for those who experienced severe symptoms
• Monitor for any lingering symptoms or signs of secondary infections
• Gradually return to normal activities, allowing time for full recovery
• Maintain good respiratory hygiene to prevent reinfection
• Consider discussing preventive strategies for future RSV seasons with healthcare providers

By understanding the potential long-term effects and following appropriate post-recovery care, individuals can ensure a smoother transition back to health and minimize the risk of complications.

How to Treat RSV at Home for Children and Adults

The super contagious virus known as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) usually begins to spread in fall and reaches peak levels in the winter. Nearly everyone gets it by the time they reach their second birthday and many people are infected more than once — maybe even several times — throughout their lifetime.

Studies have shown that children have a 10 to 20 percent chance of getting sick with RSV each year, with the rates in adults slightly lower. It’s even possible to get RSV multiple times within one season (though symptoms tend to be milder after the first bout), according to Mayo Clinic.

While RSV can cause severe and even deadly complications, particularly in high-risk groups (babies, older adults, and individuals who have chronic medical conditions or are immunocompromised), the virus is not typically a serious threat to most other people.

In low-risk groups RSV usually causes nothing more than cold-like symptoms — runny or stuffy nose, coughing, headache, low-grade fever, a sore throat — that go away on their own in a week or two. Babies with RSV may lose their appetite because they are so congested.

How to Treat RSV at Home

If you or your child are not at high risk from RSV, you can usually ride out a mild infection at home with so-called supportive care — over-the-counter medications and home remedies aimed at managing symptoms.

“The type of supportive care that’s recommended can depend on individual symptoms,” says David Banach, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine and head of infection prevention at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut. For example, there are over-the-counter drugs that can help with nasal congestion, alleviate coughing, or reduce pain or fever, he explains.

In most cases, there are three main things that can help someone with RSV feel better, says Sharon Nachman, MD, chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases and professor of pediatrics at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine in Stony Brook, New York. They are:

• Lots of fluids (it’s especially important to prevent dehydration)
• Rest
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain

What about antibiotics? “Antibiotics aren’t prescribed for RSV because it’s a viral illness, not a bacterial infection,” says Dr. Nachman.

In general, recommendations about RSV home treatments are the same for adults and older children, says Nachman. One important warning is that children under age 19 should never be given aspirin because of the risk of a life-threatening metabolic condition called Reye’s syndrome, according to Stanford Medicine.

Although children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen is safe (follow the directions on the label), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend over-the-counter medicines to treat cough and cold symptoms in kids under age 2 because of potentially serious side effects.

If you aren’t sure about which over-the-counter medications are safe for children, check with their healthcare provider.

Natural Remedies for RSV

There are a number of nonmedication at-home remedies that can help a person with mild RSV feel better, says Nachman. These include:

• Honey Nachman typically recommends honey to soothe a sore throat or help with a cough. “Adults can put it in tea, and children, provided they are over age 1, can have a scoop in their juice. However, don’t give honey to an infant or baby less than 12 months old,” she says. A bacteria called Clostridium botulinum can be present in honey and cause infant botulism in babies under 1 year old, according to KidsHealth.
• Vaporizers and Humidifiers “I recommend these because they do get a lot of water into the air. For kids and adults who are ‘breathing water off’ because they are breathing fast, that will help their secretions be a bit wetter,” says Nachman.
• Baths or Showers The steamy air produced by baths and showers can help clear congestion, says Nachman.
• Saline Nose Drops or Sprays These can help keep nasal passages moist and help with stuffiness, according to the FDA.
• Nasal Suctioning With a Bulb Syringe Used with or without saline nose drops, these devices can help relieve stuffiness and are good for babies.
• Deep Breathing “For adults or children who are old enough, they can take deep breaths and blow them out. That makes them cough and get rid of the thick, sticky secretions in their lungs,” says Nachman.

Nachman doesn’t recommend nebulizer treatments for RSV. “They don’t seem to make you get better faster and they can be difficult to use,” she says.

When a Baby or Adult With RSV Needs to Go to the Hospital

Anyone with RSV who has difficulty breathing or a high fever, or develops a blue tone to their skin (especially the lips and the nail beds), will require immediate medical attention, according to Mayo Clinic.

“Watch how your baby breathes,” says Nachman. “If they are having trouble, they may need to be tested and go on oxygen.” This is true for older children and adults as well: If they are working hard to breathe, they may need supplemental oxygen, says Nachman.

It’s estimated that over 100,000 and possibly more than 200,000 people (mostly babies and older adults) are hospitalized in the U. S. each year because of RSV, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), often for severe infections such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs).

As many as 10,000 adults 65 and over and 300 children younger than 5 die from RSV each year, the CDC estimates.

Adults and babies hospitalized with RSV may receive:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Humidified oxygen
• Mechanical ventilation (from a so-called breathing machine)

For immunocompromised patients, doctors might opt to use the antiviral medication ribavirin or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor may suspect respiratory syncytial virus based on the findings of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. During the exam, the doctor will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds.

Laboratory and imaging tests aren’t usually needed. However, they can help diagnose respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) complications or rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Tests may include:

• Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria and other germs
• Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation
• Swab of secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus
• Pulse oximetry, a painless skin monitor, to detect lower than normal levels of oxygen in the blood

More Information

Treatment

Treatment for respiratory syncytial virus generally involves self-care measures to make your child more comfortable (supportive care). But hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur.

Supportive care

Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to reduce fever. (Never give aspirin to a child.) Use of nasal saline drops and suctioning may help clear a stuffy nose. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there’s a bacterial complication, such as bacterial pneumonia.

Keep your child as comfortable as possible. Offer plenty of fluids and watch for signs of loss of body fluids (dehydration), such as dry mouth, little to no urine output, sunken eyes, and extreme fussiness or sleepiness.

Hospital care

If the RSV infection is severe, a hospital stay may be necessary. Treatments at the hospital may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Humidified oxygen
• A breathing machine (mechanical ventilation), in rare cases

An inhaler (bronchodilator) or steroids are not proved to be helpful in treating RSV infection.

Self care

You may not be able to shorten the length of a respiratory syncytial virus infection, but you can try to relieve some signs and symptoms.

If your child has RSV, do your best to comfort or distract him or her — cuddle, read a book or play a quiet game. Other tips for relieving symptoms are:

• Create moist air to breathe. Keep the room warm but not overheated. If the air is dry, a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.
• Drink fluids. Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your infant as you would normally. For older children and adults, keep a steady supply of cool water at the bedside. Offer warm fluids, such as soup, which may help loosen thickened secretions. Ice pops may be soothing as well.
• Try saline nasal drops. Over-the-counter (OTC) drops are a safe, effective way to ease congestion, even for young children. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and the instructions on the product.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers. over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may help reduce fever and relieve a sore throat. Ask a doctor for the correct dose for your child’s age.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke. Secondhand smoke can aggravate symptoms.

Preparing for your appointment

Unless severe symptoms result in an emergency room (ER) visit, you’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or your child’s doctor. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to make a list of:

• Any symptoms you noticed and when they started, even if they seem unrelated to an upper respiratory infection.
• Key medical information, such as if your child was born prematurely or if he or she has a heart or lung problem.
• Details about child care, considering other locations where your family may have been exposed to respiratory infections.
• Questions to ask your doctor. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

Questions to ask your doctor may include:

• What is likely causing these symptoms? Are there other possible causes?
• What tests might be needed?
• How long do symptoms usually last?
• What is the best treatment?
• Is medication needed? If you’re prescribing a brand-name medication, is there a generic alternative?
• What can I do to make my child feel better?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What websites do you recommend?
• To what extent should I isolate my child while infected?

Don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions you may think of during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did you first notice symptoms?
• Do the symptoms come and go or are they continuous?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen symptoms?
• Is anyone else in the family ill? What symptoms does he or she have?

Your doctor will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.

Respiratory diseases, treatment: respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory diseases, treatment: respiratory syncytial virus

Hotline number
8 (800) 707 71 81

About the disease
About treatment

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RS-infection)

Frequent lower respiratory infections in children and adults may be the result of infection with the syncytial virus. Syncytial virus (RSV), for which there is no vaccine, commonly affects newborns and young children, causing respiratory failure. Peak incidence occurs in winter and early spring. Without timely treatment, the disease caused by the syncytial virus can develop into chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

Facts to know

• The source of infection is a sick person and a virus carrier
• Mechanism of infection – aerogenic
• Transmission route – airborne
• 1-2 days before the onset of the first symptoms, the patient becomes contagious and remains so for 3-8 days
• At a heating temperature of 55-60°C, the virus disappears within 5 minutes, when boiled instantly

• Immunity after MS infection is weak, not more than 1 year
• Freezing (minus 70°) virus active, but not re-freezing
• Before the age of 3, almost all children have already had a respiratory syncytial infection
• Average duration of illness 14 to 21 days
• 5-6 hours it can be present in viable condition on clothing, toys and other items

Symptoms of RS virus infection

• Headache
• Lethargy
• Mild intoxication
• Rhinitis
• Dry paroxysmal cough
• In some cases, short-lived fever

Cure

About the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus

Treatment of respiratory diseases consists in bed rest, eating food rich in vitamins, prescribing etiotropic and antibacterial therapy for severe and prolonged forms of bronchiolitis.

Prophylaxis

Non-specific prophylaxis is the timely isolation of the patient until his full recovery. During outbreaks of infection, special attention should be paid to sanitary and hygienic measures in children’s institutions, work groups and at home.

galavit in MS infection

Immunoprophylaxis plays an important role in preventing such diseases. An immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties Galavit is recommended for children and adults suffering from frequent respiratory diseases, especially during seasons of increased morbidity. Clinical trials have shown that taking the drug Galavit allows not only to avoid the occurrence of infection, but also to promote a speedy recovery.

Galavit restores the protective properties of the body at any stage of the disease, enhances the effect of antiviral drugs and at the same time has an anti-inflammatory effect. Galavit is a reliable means of preventing respiratory diseases.

How to use Galavit

For prevention:

in the interrelapse period to maintain clinical remission

– 100 mg / day

For treatment:

First 5 days

5 doses of 1 00 mg/day daily

Next 10 days

5 doses of 100 mg/day every other day

Next 15 days

5 doses of 100 mg/day every 2 days

Get a free

consultation with a specialist

on the use of Galavit for prevention

Benefits of using

Galavita in treatment

Reliable and proven

IN CLINICAL PRACTICE SINCE 1997

compatible with any type of therapy

Can be prescribed without immunogram

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An expert explained how dangerous the RSV virus is and how to protect yourself from it

Fresh issue

WG-Nedelya

Motherland

Thematic applications

Union

Fresh issue

20. 09.2021 / 03:00

text:

Irina Nevinnaya

Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

AI in four countries at once – USA, Switzerland, Japan and Great Britain – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus affects children of different ages, including the first months of life (rarely adults), and in some cases the disease is severe and requires intensive care.

How dangerous this virus is, whether the threat of it getting into Russia is great, and how to protect yourself from this infection, Mikhail Kagan, Honored Doctor of Russia, leading scientific editor of the distance learning service for medical workers Vrachu.ru, told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

– Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection, community activities have been restricted around the world. Infection control measures were introduced and then strengthened, including handwashing, masks and social distancing. These measures have significantly reduced the prevalence of acute respiratory viral infections other than COVID-19such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and others.

Prior to the era of covid, RSV was a ubiquitous pathogen, causing epidemics of acute respiratory infections around the world. This infection is characterized by seasonality, which depends on the geographical area. In regions with a temperate climate, the disease is mainly observed in the cold season. The main routes of transmission of RSV infection are airborne and contact. This virus is highly contagious and often causes widespread outbreaks in neonatal units, in children’s groups. There are also outbreaks of this infection among hospitalized adults and in nursing homes.

In developed countries, RSV is diagnosed in 18-33% of hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections. Most often, this infection in children and adults is manifested by symptoms of diseases of the upper respiratory tract in the form of rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. A more severe course is typical for infants. In young children requiring hospitalization, the infection presents with acute bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Sometimes it can take a life-threatening course in premature babies, in children with congenital bronchopulmonary dysplasia, in children with severe congenital heart defects. With a severe course of this infection, additional oxygen support and, in some cases, artificial ventilation of the lungs are required.

It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the seasonality characteristic of RSV. Put in difficult conditions for the need to survive, the virus is able to adapt and re-assert itself, taking advantage of the decrease in the number of people who are immune to it during the lull.

An outbreak of RSV, now occurring in a number of countries, could also occur in Russia, adding to the already high burden on the healthcare system and causing serious additional problems against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic.

Efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccine against this infection have not been successful. Therefore, to prevent infection, it is very important to observe hygiene rules.