Virus hợp bào hô hấp (RSV)

Bệnh lao là gì?

Virus hợp bào hô hấp (RSV) là one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in young children. While for some it can cause các common cold, for others, it may lead to more severe infectiTRÊN. Những đứa trẻ < 1 year of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g., chronic cardiac and lung disease), the older population, and immunocompromised people are more likely to experience serious disease MỘTd hospitalisatiTRÊN.   

Triệu chứng cần nhận biết

Cold-like symptoms such as rhinorrhea (runny nose), fever, wheeze, headache and cough are common. Symptoms generally appear 1-5 days after exposure and can last 8-15 days. 

Whilst most infections are mild, bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) and pneumonia (lung infection) can occur in severe presentations and may lead to hospitalisation for supportive measures such as oxygen therapy and rehydration.  

Làm thế nào nó có thể được truyền đi?

RSV is highly contagious and can be transmitted via the inhalation of droplets containing the virus. RSV can also be transmitted when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face. 

People with RSV are generally considered infectious for 3-8 days. However, some people continue to spread the virus for up to 4 weeks. 

Dịch tễ học

RSV infections are commonly seasonal, with a peak in cases usually seen over autumn and winter. Almost all children will have experienced infection by the age of 2 years.  

Phòng ngừa

Practicing good hand hygiene is important in preventing infections. 

There are currently no vaccines registered for use within Australia. However, there are many RSV vaccines under development in clinical trials. Previous infection with RSV can provide some immunity but this protection is not long term. 

Synagis® (palivizumab) is an immunoglobulin (a blood product offering donated antibodies) currently available to some infants considered to be at higher risk of severe RSV disease (due to medical conditions such as prematurity, chronic lung disease, and specific cardiac conditions). It is not routinely available to all infants. Doses are calculated according to weight and given monthly over the winter period (usually May to October).  

Nguồn tài liệu

• Health direct: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• RCH Kids Health Information: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Sarah McNab and others, Changing Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Australia—Delayed Re-Emergence in Victoria Compared to Western Australia/New South Wales (WA/NSW) After Prolonged Lock-Down for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 73, Issue 12, 15 December 2021, Pages 2365–2366