Infection Control
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RSV and How to Prevent this DiseaseThe virus can start off small with minor cold or flu symptoms or develop into something more "hospital serious" with bronchiolitis or pneumonia. RSV is a respiratory virus that attached both the upper and lower portions of the respiratory tract. Unfortunately,
Some of the most common symptoms include cough, fever, lot of nasal drainage that runs clear and even poor appetite in babies as well as irritability. RSV is a respiratory virus that attached both the upper and lower portions of the respiratory tract. The virus can start off small with minor cold or flu symptoms or develop into something more "hospital serious" with bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Transmission RSV is similar to other viruses in that it takes direct contact with the respiratory droplets that houses the germs. Breathing in the same air as someone who sneezes and coughs is a sure way to contract the virus. In addition, because the virus can stay alive indefinitely on surfaces, by touching your face near your eyes, nose or mouth you could even develop RSV after coming into contact with a contaminated surface. Wintertime is the most common season when RSV occurs with early spring a close second. It can take up to a week between exposure and symptoms showing up. Unfortunately for infants, they can stay infectious for up to a month while older adults can spread the virus for about a week. For those with compromised immune systems, recurring health problems will probably be the likely result of RSV. Treatment and Prevention Viruses can't be treated successfully by antibiotics, but there are other ways to treat RSV. There's the chance of dehydration is great so fluids are promoted, and because RSV affects the respiratory system, oxygen is often needed for easier breathing. For those with a higher susceptibility, antiviral medications are often tried like Ribavirin.
RSV can be prevented through proper hand washing, soap and water are best as long as you spend at least a minute lathering up and washing between fingers as well as under the fingernails. In addition, proper disposal of tissues used to wipe and blow noses is essential. Another way to decrease the chance of RSV happening to you or your baby includes disinfecting children's toys as well as common surfaces that everyone comes into contact with.
While there is no vaccine for RSV at the moment, immune globulin is sometimes administered for high risk patients, this immune globulin helps boost body immunity with the production of new antibodies. There are some preventative treatments for RSV, but only people who are highly susceptible to RSV tend to get them. These preventative treatments don't always halt the virus in its tracks, but they do help your body produce antibodies to fight the infection. If you or your child is susceptible to respiratory illnesses, it would pay to ask your doctor about these treatments to avoid a trip to the hospital. RSV can be serious, so educate yourself about its dangers to both you and your kids. Latest News Regarding Infection Control ?
10/15/2008 |
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