fbpx
Site logo

--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children

Kid get sick

For new parents, it is important to learn a about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children. RSV is a common infection of the respiratory tract that manifests symptoms similar to those of the common cold. It can affect children and adults alike but it is most dangerous for infants and children with weak heart or lungs. Approximately 1% to 3% of all children in the first 12 months of life will be hospitalised because of RSV.

Among adults and older children, symptoms of RSV could include congested or runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, and mild headache. These symptoms are remarkably similar to those of the common cold and the attendant discomfort can often be treated using simple care remedies.

Infants with their fragile immune systems are particularly susceptible to RSV and the first infection could result in severe symptoms. Subsequent infections are likely to be milder due to the impact of anti-bodies in their body. Children with underlying heart and lung problems might suffer breathing problems if they contract RSV, and might require hospitalization and even a ventilator to reduce distress. About 20 to 40% cases of Thai children with lower respiratory tract infection are caused by RSV. In high-risk cases, such as babies with heart and lung problems and pre-term infants or very small infants, an RSV infection could be fatal.

Treatment

For RSV infection, a better outcome might be achieved if the patient is treated early.  In about 20 to 30% of patients, the virus spreads to the lower respiratory tract, which then develops into bronchiolitis (infection of small airways) or pneumonia. There might be some association between RSV bronchiolitis early in one’s life and subsequent asthma. Symptoms of RSV include severe, chesty cough; difficulty in breathing; lips/face turning blue when coughing; and high fever. If your child is coughing and this is disturbing their sleep, consult a doctor. If your baby has a high fever, is unable to eat or play, and breathes with a wheeze,  consult a doctor immediately.

If you suspect RSV, we will conduct a nasal swab and within 20 to 30 minutes, we will be able to tell if your child has RSV. Sometimes, it might be necessary to conduct an X-ray to determine if the child has pneumonia. Tests might also have to be conducted to determine the level of oxygen in the bloodstream so that treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

There are no specific medicines for RSV; instead, we treat the symptoms. Once RSV is diagnosed, treatment involves hydration and oxygenation. Feeding your baby warm liquids helps since it clears congestion and helps keep the baby hydrated, which is critical in the treatment of RSV.

Prevention

A prophylaxis has been introduced in the West that is used in the prevention of pre-term infants or babies with congenital heart disease or weak lungs. The prophylaxis generates antibodies that helps improve the infant’s resistance or immunity. Unfortunately, this prevention is not yet available in Thailand.

There is no vaccine for RSV. It is transmitted through secretions and can be contracted by shaking hands with, touching, or kissing an infected person or even an object that has the RSV germs. How does an object get germs on it? When an infected person sneezes or coughs or blows their nose, germs escape into the surroundings. A strict hygiene routine is the only way to keep infection at bay. Older siblings who go to school or day care can bring the virus back home and infect the infant. The virus can survive for hours on toys or other objects. If you touch such an object and then touch your baby, you could end up transferring the virus. So, hand hygiene is particularly important in the prevention of RSV, and it is helpful to encourage this among older children to ensure that they don’t inadvertently infect younger siblings. This cleanliness can extend to the child’s general environment as well. It makes immense sense to reduce your child’s exposure to people suffering from fever or colds.

Seasons are also important in the spread of the virus. In the northern hemisphere, spring to winter is peak RSV season, but in Thailand, June to October, or the monsoon, is when RSV spreads rapidly. It helps, therefore, to exercise greater caution during this time. Since the first year of a child’s life is when RSV might be particularly dangerous, breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months helps build the infant’s immunity, thus lowering the risks of RSV. While the jury is still out on the influence of smoking in the spread of RSV, the general medical opinion is that smoking is best avoided around children. Similarly, try to minimise the family’s exposure to air pollution, so that it can’t harm the baby’s respiratory system.

By Passorn Punyahotra, M.D., Paediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, Sukhumvit Campus

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored content from Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, and it is reprinted here with permission of the hospital.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

Wellington College International Bangkok – Football Training

Wellington College International Bangkok 18 Krungthep Kreetha Road Saphan Sung District, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us here at Wellington for the finest football training in town! Our Wellington Extra providers, Galaxy, have lots of extra opportunities on their programmes this year. If your child […]

฿12000 – ฿35200

BimBi Italiani – Imparando l’Italiano

Salesian Sisters Foundation Saladaeng Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

ANNOUNCEMENT : ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR "IMPARANDO L'ITALIANO" IN BANGKOK,THAILAND For everyone in , BimBi Italiani has reopened registration for the weekly group language courses for children in Imparando l'Italiano from September […]

฿610 – ฿8610

Asobiba Art Exhibition

XSPACE GALLERY 71 15 Pridi Banomyong 14 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana,, Bangkok, Thailand

“Asobiba” Group exhibition by Nagoya University of the Arts and the Department of Fine Arts at KMITL At Xspace Gallery, Bangkok. (Main Hall) SHOW PERIOD: September 7 – December 22, […]

Please Contact

ELC Family of International Schools Bangkok – After-School Activities

The City School - International School Bangkok 18 Sukhumvit 49/4 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand

We’re excited to open our After-School Activities registration today for children at The City School. We have a wonderful array of activities, including the following new classes available this year: […]

Please Contact

Alliance Française de Bangkok – French Course

Alliance Française de Bangkok 179 Witthayu road, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok,, Bangkok, Thailand

Great news for parents in Bangkok! Open the door to a world of linguistic and cultural discoveries for your children aged 3 to 11! Our next French course session begins […]

Please Contact
Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

Recent Posts

Santa in Bangkok

Where to Meet Santa in Bangkok

Remember that wonderful age when you believed in Santa and the magic of Christmas? Getting to see Santa in the flesh will be one of the many highlights of Christmas

Christmas Events in Bangkok

Are you looking to get in the holiday spirit? Or perhaps you’re ready to tick of all of those things your kiddos have on their list to Santa? Have no

Group kids play on festive camp at night

Festive Winter Camp Guide

Holiday breaks are a time for students to step back and refresh from the first academic semester. While many families will use this an another opportunity to continue exploring Thailand,