Prevention of RSV infection Published Jan. 30, 2006 By Debra Green 20th Medical Operations Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Respiratory Syncytia Virus is a major cause of respiratory illness in the winter months. RSV generally causes mild cold-like symptoms with a low-grade fever, runny nose and cough. The expected course is three to seven days but it is not uncommon for the cough to last for up to 14 days. RSV can cause illness in the same person year after year, but the first exposure is generally associated with more severe symptoms.RSV is spread through the transfer of secretions from the eyes or nose. This can occur during close contact with infected persons or contact with contaminated surfaces, such as bathroom fixtures. For example, if a person with RSV infection rubs their eyes then grabs a door handle, the virus has been transmitted to that door handle. Now, if someone else comes along and grabs that door handle, then rubs their eyes, they might infect themself. Washing hands will minimize the risk of getting RSV and all other respiratory viruses. Hand-washing is the simplest and most effective means to prevent common viral illnesses.Normal healthy children are armed with a solid immune system. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, including RSV. The treatment for children with mild RSV should be aimed at helping them feel better. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help a child feel more comfortable. Warm fluids can reduce coughing spasms through relaxing the airway and loosening thick mucus secretions in the back of the throat. Warm lemonade or apple juice can be given for a child over 4 months old. Filling a humidifier with warm water can also help.If the nose is congested, young children will have difficulty drinking from a bottle or nursing. Place three drops of warm water or saline in each nostril. After about one minute, use a bulb syringe to remove it. This procedure can be repeated several times.For high-risk infants, there is a preventative injection medicine given monthly through the winter season to help reduce the severity of RSV illness. If a child was born before 36 weeks gestational age and is less than 1 year old or has severe lung or heart disease, contact your primary care manager at 895-CARE to determine if the child needs this medication.If a child develops symptoms of RSV, please follow the above steps and call your PCM for any questions or concerns. In younger children or children with pre-existing lung or heart problems, RSV can cause more serious illness. It is important that medical attention is sought immediately if a child's breathing becomes labored, difficult or faster than 60 breaths a minute, persistent wheezing is heard or if a child is not drinking or urinating.Good hand-washing techniques will help in staying well and preventing the spread of germs.