(CNN Spanish) — Health authorities in Mexico and the United States are reminding the public to take some precautions against various viral infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as the northern hemisphere winter just begins.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- If you are sick, please stay home.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or the inner corner of your arm.
- Avoid touching your face without washing your hands first.
- Clean surfaces and commonly used objects.
- Ventilate enclosed spaces and allow air to circulate.
- Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing eating utensils.
Mexico’s National Epidemiological Surveillance Council (Conave) reported in its latest epidemiological bulletin that an increase in other respiratory viruses (excluding influenza and Covid-19) has been observed since October, “predominantly RSV” . Season of seasons. “
Conave noted that from the beginning of October to November 14, 288 cases of RSV had been confirmed in the country. The agency detailed that 271 of those cases required hospitalization.
Pediatrician Miguel Ángel Bonal, a medical expert in critically ill pediatric patients, told CNN that the best way to deal with RSV is prevention. Therefore, Bonnard has increased the use of masks in addition to the recommendations of the authorities.
Respiratory syncytial virus “is a common virus that often causes mild symptoms, similar to the common cold,” Konav explained. The CDC warns that in infants, young children, and older adults, “it may very dangerous”.
For these vulnerable groups, the CDC recommends RSV vaccination, which can be given to the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns.
However, Bonnar assured that the vaccine is not yet available in Mexico. The expert said that in order to provide protection, monoclonal antibodies that block the attachment sites of the virus could be made available in the country, although their economic value is high.
respiratory syncytial virus in children
Conave noted that RSV, a virus that poses a greater threat to infants, is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or saliva.
He added: “The younger the child, the more severe the condition is likely to be. Dyspnea is the most important symptom. A large amount of secretions prevents adequate breathing. If not treated in time, the condition may become complicated.” Bonnard, a pediatrician.
The doctor said that among the newborn population, the most vulnerable are premature babies, so he recommended limiting visits to infants, especially if they have symptoms of respiratory illness.
“This virus can be prevented by limiting visits, maintaining a healthy distance, using masks and ventilating closed spaces,” the expert insisted.
How to distinguish RSV from other respiratory viruses?
Bonnard, a pediatrician, said that respiratory syncytial virus has two characteristics: a large amount of thick mucus blocks the nose, causing difficulty in breathing; and the bronchial inflammation causes wheezing when breathing.
Children stop eating due to general discomfort, and sneezing accompanied by coughing is often severe, doctors added.
He noted that unlike other diseases such as influenza, RSV does not cause such high temperatures, which range between 38 and 38.5 degrees Celsius.
Bonnar said if you want a more accurate diagnosis, there are lab tests to determine what illness the children have, ranging from PCR tests to breath tests that record 20 different types of viruses.
treat
Bonnar recommends seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms appear.
The CDC recommends against using antiviral drugs “as routine treatment to fight infection,” adding that most RSV infections clear up on their own within one to two weeks. However, they warn that some people may become seriously ill.
Additionally, the CDC recommends drinking enough fluids and consulting a health professional before taking any medication.