[오늘의 키워드] Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an acute respiratory infection virus with symptoms similar to those of the common cold. Most recover within 1 to 2 weeks, but care should be taken as symptoms can be severe in infants and the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
According to health authorities, almost all babies and children experience a second infection (primary infection) within the first two years after birth. Of these, 20-30% progress to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia. Reinfection is also common, and exposure to the virus can lead to reinfection at any age. Re-infection is common in adults, and symptoms of re-infection are mild compared to initial infection. However, because the immune system weakens with age, the risk of complications from RSV is high.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age in Korea. It is a common cause of hospitalization for respiratory infections in children in late autumn and winter, and some infants develop severe respiratory distress and pneumonia, requiring intensive care unit treatment and respiratory support treatment. In rare cases, death can result.
Symptoms of RSV usually appear within 4 to 6 days after infection. A newborn may have a runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, decreased milk supply, rapid breathing, and wheezing. Symptoms usually do not appear all at once, but in stages. There may be no fever or only a slight fever.
Premature or very young infants infected with RSV may have symptoms such as irritability, collapse, decreased milk supply, shortness of breath, rapid wheezing (wheezing), and apnea (longer than 10 seconds) without typical respiratory symptoms.
