You may have noticed that cold weather has arrived in our country via polar air masses and cold fronts in recent weeks, creating a cold and conducive environment for the spread of viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses.
This is of great concern to health authorities as there has been a significant increase in cases among affected patients, which can cause complications and even death if not treated properly.
Therefore, understand Statistical dataand take appropriate precautions to avoid infection and treat infection when it occurs. Today we will talk to you about a virus that is affecting the Mexican population and who is most affected.
What do we know about respiratory syncytial virus?
According to the medical journal Elsevier, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a RNA virus A member of the Paramyxoviridae family that primarily affects the respiratory system. It is a common cause of respiratory infections in infants and young children, but can affect people of all ages. If we talk about its genetics, RSV has a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome.
It has two types of fusion proteins in its viral envelope: F and G, which are critical to its ability to infect cells.
It is highly contagious and spreads through small respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Its incubation period is 2 to 8 days. It can lead to recurring infections throughout life.
What are the symptoms?
In infants and young children, it can cause serious lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing and nasal congestion.
In adults and older children, RSV often causes symptoms similar to the common cold.
Taking precautions is crucial, especially in young children and children with compromised immune systems, as RSV infection can be serious.no treatment Specific antiviral drugsbut in severe cases, medical assistance may be needed to control symptoms.
What age groups does it affect? Why?
according to a official report Data from different health agencies in Mexico show that during the cold season (late autumn and winter) of 2023-2024, in addition to the spread of influenza, the highest number of cases was observed in the following age groups 50 to 54 years oldminor 1 year55 to 59 years, 60 to 64 years and 35 to 39 years, an increase in cases of other respiratory viruses, mainly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), was observed, affecting the following age groups 1 to 4 years old, children under 1 year old and 5 to 9 years old. This may be because babies do not yet have a fully developed immune system capable of dealing with these infections. The factor of coexistence with other minors in day care centers and closed educational centers has been added.
According to the Minister of Health, as of the end of the 45th epidemiological week, a total of 271 cases of syncytial virus have been recorded. In epidemiological records, this corresponds to 63% of “other respiratory virus” infections counted by the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. Most infections are said to occur in children aged 1 to 4 years.
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