Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a single stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family of viruses. This virus is also known as RSV, Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus or Palivizumab. This is one of the contributors of the common cold and is very prominent in the fall, winter and spring seasons. Although symptoms are somewhat mild in older kids and adults, the virus can cause respiratory infections and other complications in the elderly, younger kids and babies and also those with weakened immune system.

The RSV virus can be spread very easily where there is a large population of people and in contact with someone that already has the virus. It can be spread when someone sneezes into the air, cough into one’s hands and then by touching other surface areas or by kissing someone that was or is infected. The virus can live up to thirty minutes on someone’s skin if not washed and up to five hours on any surface area such as countertops, toys, doorknobs, phones, faucets and keyboards for instance if not cleaned or sanitized. RSV is easily spread in places like daycares, schools and any other areas of crowding.

Although exposed to the RSV virus symptoms normally begins to show between four and six days. In mild cases sneezing, coughing, runny nose and slight fever might occur however in severe cases RSV can cause labored breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, wheezing, grouping cough, high fevers etc. Any one vulnerable to RSV may need special care to make sure that the symptoms does not turn into pneumonia, lung failure, bronchiolitis or asthma. These symptoms can lead to hospitalizations and further complications if not monitored properly, in young infants sometimes death can occur although rare due to the deprivation of oxygen if lung failure occurs. Treatment can involve nebulizer treatments, the use of IV fluids, oxygen treatment and humidifiers.

Simple steps can be taken to avoid the spread of RSV such as washing of hands and cleaning of surfaces on a regular basis. Covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing and the prompt disposal of tissue can help to avoid the spread. Avoid kissing babies and children to avoid spreading the virus to them also tobacco smoke can also act as an inhibitor to the virus so one should try to also avoid and areas where the virus seems prominent.