Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Pediatric cases are increasing within the US

While many eyes are focused on the present levels of flu and Covid-19 cases across the United States, the rise of one other virus is affecting each adults and kids. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in children are causing an influx of hospitalizations. RSV is a virus that causes the common cold, and although the disease is generally mild, it could actually result in bronchiolitis and pneumonia and even be life-threatening to infants and kids.

Quarantine for the past three years has helped protect children from Covid-19, nevertheless it has also reduced exposure to other viruses. Generally, kid’s first exposure to RSV occurs at age two (CDC, 2022). However, many children at the moment are exposed to the RSV virus for the primary time and their immune systems aren’t prepared for it. Pediatric hospitals are feeling the impact, with many at or above capability. Some pediatric hospitals even lack intensive care unit beds (Advisory Board, 2022).

As clinicians, we want to concentrate on this increase in cases and hospitalizations, refresh our knowledge and do our part to scale back transmission.

Distinguishing RSV from other respiratory diseases

How necessary is it to acknowledge RSV and distinguish it from other viral infections reminiscent of COVID-19 and influenza? The symptoms of those three viruses are sometimes quite similar, but it can be crucial to acknowledge children at high risk for complications in addition to subtle differences within the presentation of RSV.

High-risk pediatric groups include premature infants, infants 6 months of age and younger, children younger than 2 years of age with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, children with weakened immune systems, and kids with neuromuscular disorders including difficulty in swallowing or clearing mucus secretions (CDC, 2022).

Infants and young children infected with RSV could have a runny nose and decreased appetite as initial symptoms. The cough often appears one to a few days later, sometimes followed by sneezing, fever and wheezing. In very young infants, irritability, decreased activity, and/or apnea would be the only symptoms (CDC, 2022).
Laboratory tests are the important thing to creating a diagnosis. Both real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain response (rRT-PCR) and antigen testing can confirm RSV infection.

Preventing severe illness and hospitalization as a consequence of RSV

As adults, we will help prevent the spread of RSV and educate others, including parents and caregivers of youngsters at high risk for severe RSV infection, about infection control practices reminiscent of hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, cleansing ceaselessly touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact with anyone who’s sick.

For people infected with RSV, treatment is supportive and includes fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications reminiscent of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, in addition to fluids to stop dehydration. Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody available to stop severe lower respiratory tract disease brought on by RSV in some infants and kids at high risk of severe disease (Lexicomp, 2022).

As we move deeper into fall and winter, it can be crucial that we stay informed concerning the status of seasonal viral illnesses. Although many headlines consult with them because the “triple threat” or “triple epidemic,” RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are only three of many viruses that spread in the course of the colder months. Together we are able to take steps to reduce the spread of all infectious diseases, keep patients protected and support our healthcare employees.

Advisory board. (November 8, 2022). ‘Crisis mode’: RSV surge overwhelms pediatric hospitals. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2022/11/08/rsv-surge

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (October 28, 2022). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/clinical/index.html

Lexicom. (2022). Palivizumab: Drug information. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/palivizumab-drug-information