What is respiratory syncytial virus?
Respiratory syncytial virus causes lung and respiratory tract infections.
The diagnosis is more common in children under 2 years of age, although this virus can also be found in adults. In adults, the elderly and practically healthy children, the respiratory syncytial virus proceeds with mild symptoms similar to a cold. In such clinical cases, self-medication is sufficient to relieve discomfort. However, the respiratory syncytial virus is more severe if the patient is an infant (especially premature) or elderly, or the person has a history of heart and lung disease or weak immunity.
Symptoms usually appear 4-6 days after exposure to the virus.
The following symptoms are characteristic of the mild form:
- Runny nose or stuffy nose;
- Dry cough;
- Low fever;
- Sore throat;
- Sneezing;
- Headache.
If the respiratory syncytial virus spreads in the lower respiratory tract, it is expected that pneumonia or bronchiolitis will develop.
Most children and adults feel better within a week or two, although some may experience recurrent wheezing.
In case of acute or life-threatening type of infection, it is necessary to hospitalize the patient.
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