Our Respiratory syncytial virus Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Respiratory syncytial virus

Definition of Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus: A virus that causes mild respiratory infections, colds, and coughs in adults, but can produce severe respiratory problems, including bronchitis and pneumonia in young children. Persons with compromised immune, cardiac or pulmonary systems are at high risk from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is highly contagious. It is spread from respiratory secretions. In temperate climates, RSV infections usually occur during annual community outbreaks, often lasting 4 to 6 months, during the late fall, winter, or early spring months. RSV spreads efficiently among children during the annual outbreaks, and most children have evidence of RSV infection by 2 years of age.

There is typically fever, prominent nasal secretions and congestion coupled with wheezing for 1-2 weeks. Effective immunity against RSV requires a continuous solid level of antibodies against the virus. There is particular concern for RSV in premature babies because of their lack of maturity and lack of antibodies. There is no RSV vaccine.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• palivizumab-injection, Synagis - Consumer information about the medication PALIVIZUMAB - INJECTION (Synagis), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug PALIVIZUMAB - INJECTION.
• Chest X-ray - A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of the chest and the internal organs of the chest. chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.
• Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).

Read more Respiratory Syncytial Virus related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Even Barely Early Babies Face Respiratory Risks
• RSV: Winter Virus Common Cause of Illness
• Fall Babies at Higher Risk for Asthma
• Killer Cold Virus: Questions, Answers