In most cases, the syncial virus occurs with flu-like symptoms and does not require hospital care. It is essential, however, to know how to recognize the first signs of the infection to avoid complications
The syncial virus (also called syncial respiratory virus, or VRS) is a common virus that causes respiratory tract infections especially in the winter months. It can cause symptoms similar to a cold both in adults and in the little ones. The symptoms of the ERV can vary from mild to serious. In most cases, the infection causes flu-like symptoms, such as: nose that cola, cough, fever and sore throat. In the most serious cases, however, it can also lead to breathing difficulties.
However, the syncial virus in children up to 2 years can cause the bronchiolitea potentially dangerous lung infection. It is one of the main causes of hospitalization in small children and can represent a danger for the elderly or those who have a compromised immune system, especially during the winter season. For prevent contagion Hand hygiene is of fundamental importance as well as avoiding the contact of children with people who have symptoms of colds or influence, such as cough, nose that colas and fever, since the RSV is transmitted through the respiratory droplets.
In this article we will see what VRS is and how it manifests itself, trying to provide useful advice to prevent contagion.
What is the syncial respiratory virus
For those who are about to become a mother or dad or for the neogens in general, it is very important to know What is the syncial virus. The VRS is a microorganism capable of infecting the cells present in the respiratory tract, such as nose, throat and lungs. The contagion takes place through nasal secretions, saliva, sneezing and cough. The infection causes inflammation and production of mucus in bronchi and lungs, making breathing more difficult.
There are mild forms of infection and more severe forms, especially among younger children and babies (in the first month of life): the syncial virus can in fact inflame the bronchioli (the smallest parts of our bronchi) making breathing very tiring. This is what is commonly happens in the bronchiolite. The VRS causes about 70% of the cases of bronchiolitis, the remaining can be caused by other types of viruses.
Generally, the Vrs epidemics In Italy they occur from November to April and they can affect until 20% of childrenespecially in the age group from 3 to 6 months of life. Every year, about 2-3% of children under 12 months are hospitalized for the hospital consequences of the virusfor this reason it is very important knowing how to prevent and recognize the first signs of the infection.
What are the symptoms of the virus?
THE Symptoms of the syncial virus they are initially similar to those of many other flu forms: Hidden and mucus nose, frequent sneezing, cough, possible fever Not very high (generally less than 38 ° C).
From the appearance of the first signs of infection, the symptoms can increase to a peak in 3-5 days, to then gradually improve over 1-2 weeks.
Babies and children under 10-12 months can however worsen and present those that are the most worrying Characteristics of the syncial respiratory virus:
- breathing difficultyevident as a “air hunger”;
- fast breathingwith an increase in the number of respiratory acts per minute;
- return of the ribs, appearance of dimples al jugulus and movement of the nostrils with each breath (called “to the height of nasal fins”).
At the appearance of these symptoms it is essential get the little ones from the pediatrician urgently visited. At the chest are in fact auscultable of the typical crackleswhich will allow the specialist of diagnose bronchiolite. Since it can be difficult to recognize the signals in advance, it is advisable to contact the doctor even if you suspect that something is wrong with your child (more irritable, less smiling and lively).
In the most serious cases, the Complications from syncial virus they can be:
- Reduction of food (intake of milk <50% compared to usual);
- signs of dehydration like dry lips, Little peecry without tears;
- appearance of apnea (long respiratory breaks);
- purple color of the lips and/or face (cyanosis) associated with poor reactivity and drowsiness.
The latter are alarm signals And they deserve an immediate hospital evaluation to guarantee adequate care.
The affected children generally heal in a complete way, but it is useful to know What the syncial virus causes In some cases. Children who have had a serious infection, can in fact present some long -term respiratory problems, such as a greater predisposition to the development of hissing episodes of breath (with whistle, called “asthmator bronchitis”) or asthma. The cough after an VRS infection can last even a few weeks.
How to take care of the syncial virus
Most cases of VRS infection are mild and can be treated at home without the need for hospital care. Since VRS is a virus, antibiotics are not effective and should not be used. Aerosols with saline solutions, bronchodilator and cortisone drugs are also not indicated and do not help heal.
The Care for the syncial virus they are called “support care” and can be:
- nasal washes frequent, to remove mucus from the nose and help breathing;
- Keep the boy or girl well hydrated by encouraging him to drink liquids (only milk <6 months);
- smaller and more frequent meals;
- monitor the signals of a possible worsening.
Each child is different and not everyone responds to therapies in the same way. A continuous comparison with the pediatrician will therefore be useful for knowing What to do for the syncial virus. In the most serious cases home therapies are no longer sufficient and hospitalization is necessary, especially when the alarm symptoms described previously are present.
Treatments are possible in the hospital capable of helping to breathe children with greater difficulties, thanks to the administration of oxygen with various tools; In case of dehydration, the administration of intravenous liquids is possible. In addition, more precise and continuous monitoring of vital parameters such as the saturation of oxygen and respiratory frequency is possible.
One of the largest risks of the syncial virus It is in fact therespiratory failurewhich can also make hospitalization in intensive care. It should be noted that the cases that require intensive respiratory support are few, however: only about 5% of hospitalized children. The duration of a hospitalization usually varies between 2 and 8 days. The return home is possible when it is no longer necessary to administer oxygen and the conditions of the child are improving.
How to prevent contagion
As mentioned, the syncial respiratory virus is transmitted through nasal secretions, sneezing and cough. The VRS can survive on the surfaces for hours, making the transmission possible even by touching contaminated objects such as toys or handles.
Babies and young children can be infected with infected family members, especially older brothers and little sisters who attend the nest or schools. Exposure to cigarette smoking also increases the possibility of serious infections. Breastfeeding is instead capable of reducing risks. Breast milk in fact contains antibodies that help against respiratory infections and bronchiolitis.
There are many risks for the little ones and it is important to know How to prevent the contagion of the syncial virus. Some precautions to protect children from the VRS are:
- Hand hygiene: before touching the child, wash your hands with water and soap or disinfect them with an alcoholic gel. Family and visitors should also do the same;
- Avoid contacts with patients: keep the child away from adults or children cooled or sick, especially in crowded contexts such as kindergartens. An outdoor walk (even in winter!) And in unpredictable places it does not cause any risk;
- Use of masks: if someone has a cold he should wear a mask near the child and above all he should not kiss him;
- Hygiene of objects: avoid sharing dishes and personal items, frequently clean the surfaces and toys that come into contact with the child, especially if shared with other children;
- Avoid smoking: passive smoke also increases the risk of respiratory infections.
These measures are crucial to reduce the spread of VRS and other viruses, as we learned during the pandemic. Some children such as premature or born with heart disease are more fragile and can have a greater risk of respiratory complications. For these children, drugs are available to help prevent syncial virus.
A drug is currently available (a Monoclonal antibody) called Pallivizumabrecommended only for premature babies <35 weeks of gestational age or with particular risks listed in his technical data sheet. Its effectiveness lasts a few weeks and for this reason it should be administered with an intramuscular injection every month, during the epidemic period. A new antibody has recently been approved, the Nrsevimabwhich seems to be able to offer very effective protection and with only one administration. It will be available to hospital structures based on the provisions of the individual regions.
Considering the risks caused by the syncial virus, prevention can make a big difference to protect the health of the little ones. With some small tricks we can face the winter with more serenity and in complete safety.
