Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a result of virus infection. The infection targets the lungs, particularly the small air pathways known as bronchioles. It is among the prevalent causes of childhood illnesses, and many children get the virus before they reach two years old. Adults can also get infected, but most kids and adults who contract RSV develop mild symptoms similar to a cold.

RSV usually resolves on its own in about a week. For Babies it is below six months, and that includes premature infants. With adults be careful above 65 years, and individuals with a weakened immune system can also have severe symptoms after an RSV infection.

Symptoms of RSV in Adults and Kids

RSV symptoms may take 2 to 8 days once a person has contracted the virus. The symptoms come in stages instead of all at once. The main ones include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose, and fever.

Babies below six months who get infected with RSV may have reduced appetites, irritability or fussiness, change in breathing patterns, and minimal interest in activities.

Severe symptoms such as noisy breathing, belly breathing, gray or blue color on the fingernails, mouth, and lips, or short, slow, shallow, or rapid breathing should necessitate a visit to Memorial Village Emergency Room.

Can RSV Turn into Pneumonia?

When RSV spreads from the upper respiratory tract to the lower respiratory tract, it can result in pneumonia. Here it affects the small airways and gets further to the lungs. In such cases, a patient should consider pneumonia RSV treatment in Houston.

How Can You Tell If RSV Has Turned into Pneumonia?

You can tell if RSV has become pneumonia if you experience difficulty breathing. You may have shallow and rapid breathing, and you feel breathless.

Treatment for RSV

Much of the RSV treatment in infants and adults at Memorial Village Emergency Room is depended on the symptoms. Mild symptoms resemble the common cold; in most cases, they do not require treatment. RSV normally disappears on its own in about a week or two. However, you can manage the symptoms with at-home treatments such as drinking fluids to remain hydrated and taking over-the-counter fever or pain medication.

When Should You Get to the ER?

Since RSV can contribute to serious illnesses, some of which are life-threatening, you should ensure that you get treatment if the symptoms worsen. You can end up developing serious conditions: pneumonia, worsening heart or lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiolitis, or congestive heart failure.

Go to the ER if you have noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, blue or gray skin color, or pauses while breathing. If you have short, shallow, and faster breathing, visit Memorial Village Emergency Room immediately if you are in the Houston are. Our clinicians and physicians can diagnose and provide the required treatment so that further complications don’t arise.