Las low temperatures cause in this winter season a significant increase in infections of respiratory diseases, mainly viral such as influenza, COVID-19 and recently, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus which has registered an increase in the number of infections.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus does not discriminate between age groups and can hit you at any time, but during the winter it is more important to take care of infections, mainly vulnerable age groups such as babies and older adults or people with chronic diseases.
What is respiratory syncytial virus?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory tract disease that affects adults with cold-like symptoms common, with a normal recovery period of one to two weeks.
Although this virus can infect anyone without distinction, there are risk groups for whom it can be serious and generate complications such as bronchitis or pneumoniaputting even the lives of patients at risk.
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The symptoms
According to the Mayo Cliniclos symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in most adults son:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Hacking cough
- Low fever
- Sore throat
- sneezing
- Headache
What age groups does this virus affect most?
Respiratory syncytial virus can affect people of any age; however, there are of the groups who are more susceptible to complications than put life at risk.
The children under 2 years old and the older adults Those infected with this virus could present symptoms such as bronchitis or pneumonia that, if not treated appropriately, increase the risk of needing hospitalization.
And weak immune systemalso means a risk of having serious complications when contracting respiratory syncytial virus, so people with chronic, heart or lung diseases They join the list of vulnerable groups.
In the serious caseslos symptoms most common of this virus are:
- Fever
- intense cough
- Wheezing when breathing in the form of a high-pitched sound when exhaling
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
For the babies of 12 months old or youngerthe symptoms must be treated immediately in an emergency department and are as follows:
- Shallow, short, and rapid breathing
- Severe shortness of breath — the muscles and skin of the chest sag as they try to get air into the lungs
- Tos
- Come mal
- Unusual tiredness (lethargy)
- Irritability
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What is the treatment for respiratory syncytial virus?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus does not have a specific treatmentonce it has entered the system, the symptom management and the general condition monitoring of patients are the steps to follow.
Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers they can help cope with symptoms such as fever and pain; However, in mild cases, patients are expected to feel better in one to two weeks.
For the serious casesit may be necessary use of antibioticsoxygen and even ventilation to help you breathe.
Prevention
The vaccination It is the first prevention option to avoid complications of Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
In Mexico, the vaccine against this virus is authorized by Cofepris to apply it in pregnant women y older people 60 years old.