If left untreated, this virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
Mexico’s National Epidemiological Surveillance Committee reports that Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections have increased in recent days.
The virus usually causes the common cold but can sometimes infect the lungs and respiratory tract, Nemours KidsHealth explains that this can lead to respiratory problems in babies and young children.
The first symptoms produced by RSV are a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and headache, cough, fever, general malaise, and loss of appetite.
If left untreated, it may also lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Dr. Evelyn Rivera Toledo from the School of Medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico said: RSV primarily affects children under the age of two.
Although the increase in cases may be a result of social distancing. From 2020 to mid-2021, The general population is cooped up at home and children are not in “direct” contact with the virus, so it is only logical now that it is re-emerging and causing illness.
Experts say babies’ immune systems “Immaturity, especially in children aged 0 to 6 months, makes infection control difficult and increases the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia.”
Older people are also vulnerable, albeit to a lesser extent. andRespiratory syncytial virus is spread through tiny droplets in the air when a sick person blows their nose, coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms may appear 2 or 4 days later and last about 10 days. However, when more severe symptoms occur, such as wheezing, nasal flaring, and congestion, hospitalization is required to prevent the condition from worsening and endangering the patient’s life.
How to prevent infection in children?
Rivera Toledo emphasized that most cases do not require hospitalization and if diagnosed early, patients can even recover at home. That’s why getting medical care is critical to reducing the consequences of RSV.
Precautions are now in place to prevent the virus from infecting infants and the elderly. These include:
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid close contact (especially with babies).
- Ventilate enclosed spaces.
- Cover the inner corners of your elbows when you cough.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
- If you have any of the above symptoms, stay home.
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