About RSV

From the physician's office to the ER to the NICU, diagnosing and managing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is serious business. In the United States, RSV is estimated to be responsible for 73,400 to 126,300 hospitalizations annually for bronchiolitis and pneumonia alone among children younger than one year.¹ In children hospitalized with RSV infection, it is believed to be the most common viral cause of death in children younger than five years, particularly in children younger than one year.² It is also the major viral cause of nosocomial illness in children already hospitalized for other reasons.³ Half of all infants become infected during their first year of life, while virtually all have been infected by the age of two.⁴

Due to the potentially serious complications that may result from RSV, prompt detection and management are critical. Accordingly, healthcare professionals including physicians, caregivers, and hospital laboratories recognize the benefits of utilizing rapid RSV tests to aid clinical diagnosis and manage patient care.

What symptoms are generally associated with RSV?
RSV is a very common virus that often resembles the common cold with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing and low-grade fever. However, symptoms indicative of more severe RSV infections may include difficult or rapid breathing, wheezing, irritability and restlessness, and poor appetite.⁵

Who is at risk for RSV?
Nearly half of all infants become infected during their first year of life, and virtually all children have been infected by the age of two.⁶ However, those at greatest risk of severe RSV infections include⁷:

• Infants born prematurely
• Term infants younger than 6 weeks old
• Children with medical conditions such as:
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Serious heart conditions
  • Problems with their immune system

RSV Seasonality
RSV infections can occur any time of year, though RSV season typically begins in the Fall and runs through Spring.⁸

How long does an RSV infection last?
The RSV infection average incubation period ranges frm 2-8 days; 4-6 days is most common,⁹ while most children recover from illness in about 8-15 days.¹⁰

How is an RSV infection diagnosed?
To help manage patient care, the QuickVue RSV test is a useful tool to aid in diagnosing RSV, with results in 15 minutes. It is recommended that negative test results be confirmed by cell culture. Negative results do not preclude RSV infection and it is recommended that they not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other management decisions.

How is an RSV infection managed?
Management of an RSV infection is symptomatic: assure proper hydration, monitor and treat fever, and manage nasal congestion conservatively. When an RSV infection becomes more serious and progresses to bronchiolitis, patient management goals are to relieve respiratory distress, alleviate airway obstruction and improve oxygen levels. It is important to normalize body temperature and maintain proper hydration.¹¹

How is RSV spread?
RSV is easily spread from contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and objects.¹²

How can the spread of RSV be controlled?¹³

• Wash your hands before touching your baby, as well as before handling or eating food.
• Keep your baby away from crowds, as well as individuals with colds.
• Do not share personal items such as pacifiers, utensils, toothbrushes, and bed and bath linens. Also be sure to clean toys and play areas frequently.
• Don�t smoke or allow others to smoke around your baby.

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  ¹ Collins P., Chanock R., Murphy B. Fields Virology. Fourth Edition. Volume 1. Chapter 45 - Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Lippincot Williams and Wilkins. (2001)
  ² Thompson, W. et al. Mortality Associated With the Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the United States. JAMA, January 8, 2003 - Vol 289, No. 2.
  ³ Macartney K. et al. Nosocomial Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections: The Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit of Infection Control. Pediatrics Vol. 106 No. 3 Sept. 2000, pp 520-526.
  ^{4, 6} Child and Youth Health; Respiratory Syncy Virus (RSV); http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=303&id=1997
  ^{5, 7} Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). American Academy of Pediatrics, et al., http://www.aap.org/pubed/ZZZSO05MASD.htm?&sub_cat=107 (accessed 1/16/2006)
  ^{8, 13} RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) � A guide for parents, Channing L. Bete Co., SSP01-051/63571, 2000, pp. 2. South Deerfield, MA, 61005D-08-01.
  ⁹ Respiratory Syncytial Virus � Clinical Manifestations. Red Book: 2003 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 26th ed., 2003, pp. 523. Elk Grove Village: American Academy of Pediatrics.
  ^{10, 12} Respiratory Syncytial Virus � Clinical features. CDC January 21, 2005, et. al. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/rsvfeat.htm (accessed 1/16/06)
  ¹¹ Polak, Mark, M.D. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Overview, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies, Posted 4/13/2004, W.B. Saunders; http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/472399_print (accessed 5/20/06)