Guest Column: Help prevent spread of RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus – also known simply as RSV – has been active in Lincoln County for the past few weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all children will have contracted RSV by their second birthday.

RSV usually occurs in the fall, winter and early spring and is the cause of a variety of respiratory illnesses. The virus most commonly causes a cold-like illness without severe complications. However, in some instances, it can cause bronchitis, croup and lower respiratory infections like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia.

In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under age 1.

Premature infants, children less than 2 years of age with congenital heart or chronic lung disease and children with compromised immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments, are at highest risk for severe RSV complications. Some high-risk adults, such as those who are immune compromised or have particular chronic illnesses, may have develop more severe complications such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of RSV are similar to other respiratory illnesses including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, decrease in appetite and sometimes fever and wheezing. In young infants, irritability, decreased activity and difficulty breathing may be their primary symptoms.

RSV is spread when droplets containing the virus are sneezed or coughed into the air by an infected person. Droplets can linger briefly in the air and if they are inhaled or the particles contact the nose, mouth or eye of another, they can become infected, too.

Infection can also result from indirect contact with the secretions from an infected person. For example, secretions get on a door knob that is touched by another who then rubs their own eyes or nose. Generally people infected with RSV are contagious for 3-8 days.

Preventing the spread of RSV is like preventing the spread of influenza. Cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands frequently with soap and water for 15-20 seconds. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned frequently and thoroughly with soapy water or disinfectant. People with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children at high risk for complications, but if they must, should then follow the previous prevention steps. When possible, limiting the time that high-risk children spend in child-care centers or other potentially contagious settings may help prevent infection. There is no vaccine to prevent RSV.

For more information you can visit the CDC website at www.gov/rsv or speak with your care provider.

(Marci Johnson is the communicable disease coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department).