A common respiratory virus is spreading at unusually high levels, Here’s what else parents need to know

PART 01

RSV infections is going rampant all throughout the US

In September, an 8-month-old baby came into Dr. Juanita Mora’s office in Chicago with an infection the doctor hadn’t expected to see for another two months: RSV.

Like her peers across the country, the allergist and immunologist has been treating little ones with this cold-like virus well before the season usually starts.

“We’re seeing RSV infections going rampant all throughout the country,” Mora said.

Almost all children catch RSV at some point before they turn 2, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Most adults who catch it have a mild illness; for those who are elderly or who have chronic heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system, it can be dangerous. But RSV can be especially tricky for infants and kids.

PART 02

What to watch for

For many, RSV causes a mild illness that can be managed at home.

On average, an infection lasts five days to a couple of weeks, and it will often go away on its own, the CDC says. Sometimes, the cough can linger for up to four weeks, pediatricians say.

Symptoms may look like a common cold: a runny nose, a decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. Young infants may seem only irritable or lethargic and have trouble breathing.

Not every child will have every potential RSV symptom.

“Fevers are really hit or miss with RSV infections, especially in young infants,” said Dr. Priya Soni, assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Parents should watch for any changes in behavior, she said, including taking longer to eat or not being interested in food at all. The child can also develop a severe cough and some wheezing.

It’s also important to watch for signs that your child is struggling to breathe or breathing with their ribs or belly – “symptoms which may kind of overlap with many of the other viruses that we’re seeing a resurgence of,” Soni added.

Since it’s not easy for parents to tell the difference between respiratory illnesses like, say, RSV and flu, it’s good to take a sick child to a pediatrician, who can run tests to pinpoint the cause.

“You may need to take your baby to be evaluated sooner rather than later,” Soni said.

When it comes to RSV, parents should be especially cautious if their children are preemies, newborns, children with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders, and those under age 2 with chronic lung and heart conditions, the CDC says.

“Parents should be really astute to any changes, like in their activity and their appetite, and then pay particular attention to any signs of respiratory distress,” Soni said.

PART 03

RSV treatment

Testing is important because treatment for things like flu and Covid-19 may differ.

There’s no antiviral or specific treatment for RSV like there is for the flu, nor is there a vaccine. But if your child is sick, there are things you can do to help.

Fever and pain can be managed with non-aspirin pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Also make sure your child drinks enough fluids.

“RSV can make kids very dehydrated, especially when they’re not eating or drinking, especially when we’re talking infants,” Mora said. “Once they stop eating or their urine output has decreased, they’re not having as many wet diapers, this is a sign they may have to go to the pediatrician or emergency department.”

Talk to your pediatrician before giving your child any over-the-counter cold medicines, which can sometimes contain ingredients that aren’t good for kids.

Source：RSV in children: Symptoms, treatment and what parents should know, By Jen Christensen, CNN.

PART 04

The immediate diagnosis and definite diagnosis are very urgent and important

Hecin focuses on the diagnosis of respiratory system pathogens, and the RSV Nucleic Acid Test Kit (PCR-fluorescence probe method) developed by Hecin has already obtained the EU CE certification. The Kit has the characteristics of high sensitivity and simple operation, is suitable for the rapid diagnosis of diseases caused by RSV infection, and is compatible with the fluorescent PCR platform. The product is made into a freeze-dried powder reagent, which has strong stability and can be transported and stored at room temperature, eliminating the trouble of low-temperature cold chain transportation and storage; the operation is simple and convenient, and the operator does not need complicated manual packaging operations， detectable.