5 Questions about Respiratory Syncytial Virus(RSV) Explained at Once

Overview

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that causes acute respiratory infections. It is more likely to cause more severe symptoms, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, in infants and the elderly. However, most infected people have mild symptoms, similar to the common cold, so there is no need to worry too much. Let's learn about the characteristics of RSV, how it spreads, and how to effectively prevent it.

▋What does RSV look like?

Respiratory syncytial virus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family. Its virus particles are spherical or filamentous, with an envelope on the outside. The envelope contains two important glycoproteins, fusion protein F and adhesion protein G, which help the virus infect the human respiratory tract.

▋How long does RSV survive?

1. RSV is not very adaptable to the external environment and is sensitive to high temperatures and disinfectants.

2. It can be inactivated by heating at 55°C for 30 minutes.

3. It can survive for several hours on hard surfaces (such as tables, toys, etc.), but it survives for a shorter time on soft objects such as paper towels.

4. Alcohol (70% ethanol) or chlorine-containing disinfectants can effectively kill RSV.

▋How is RSV spread?

• RSV is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact:

• When a patient coughs or sneezes, the virus will spread into the air through droplets and be inhaled by others.

• The virus may also attach to the surface of objects (such as toys, door handles, and clothing). If the hands touch these objects and then touch the mouth, nose, or eyes, it is possible to be infected with RSV.

▋When is RSV prevalent?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is widespread around the world, but its epidemic season varies depending on climate type and geographical region. Below is the general distribution of RSV epidemic seasons in different regions:

1. Temperate regions (such as North America, Europe, northern China, Japan and South Korea, etc.)

Epidemic season: active in autumn and winter, peak in winter, sometimes continuing to early spring.

Northern Hemisphere (such as China, the United States, Europe):

Usually prevalent from October to March of the following year.

Southern Hemisphere (such as Australia, Argentina):

Usually prevalent from April to September.

2. Tropical regions (such as Southeast Asia, Central and South America, parts of Africa)

Epidemic throughout the year, but with a clear peak, often overlapping with the rainy season.

For example:

Southeast Asia (such as Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia): RSV infection is usually more common in the rainy season or high humidity period (such as May-October).

Tropical regions of Africa: RSV often breaks out in the wet season.

Tropical regions of Brazil: Peak occurs in the rainy season from March to May.

3. Subtropical regions (such as southern China, southern India)

Epidemic season: late autumn to early spring, often overlapping with the flu season.

For example, in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China, RSV prevalence is mainly concentrated from November to March of the following year.

▋Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of RSV

A. Personal protection

1. Avoid going to crowded places, especially during the high incidence season of respiratory syncytial virus.

2. Wear a mask scientifically when going out, especially in crowded environments.

3. Keep your hands clean, especially after touching public items, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose and other parts with your hands.

4. Do not share cups and tableware with others to reduce the risk of cross infection.

B. Diagnosis and treatment

1. Patients with mild symptoms (cough, runny nose) can rest at home, drink plenty of water, avoid fatigue, and generally recover within 7-10 days.

If it is not possible to confirm whether it is RSV virus infection, you can use the respiratory multiple pathogen rapid antigen test kit for self-diagnosis.

2. If severe symptoms occur, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and persistent high fever, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying treatment.

C. Considerations for caring for patients

1. Before and after contact with the patient, be sure to wash your hands or use disinfectant to disinfect.

2. Avoid the same caregiver taking care of RSV patients and non-RSV infected people at the same time to reduce the risk of cross infection.

3. Although RSV-infected patients do not need mandatory isolation, it is recommended that patients and caregivers minimize contact with others, especially infants and the elderly.

Conclusion

Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) is a common respiratory virus. Although it is widely spread, as long as you do a good job of hand hygiene, wear a mask scientifically, and avoid close contact, you can effectively reduce the risk of infection. Scientifically understanding RSV and taking protective measures is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Let us protect our health together!

[Reference]

*Five key questions about respiratory syncytial virus, explained at once.--CHINA CDC