Could it be the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Title picture of the expert article about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — © Trueffelpix, stock.adobe.com

What is RSV? The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a globally prevalent virus that infects patients of all ages (but predominantly children). The virus resembles the influenza virus, and also affects the upper and lower respiratory tract. An infection with RSV can result in either a simple respiratory infection, or severe and even lethal courses of infection. RSV is the most common cause of diseases of the lower respiratory tract in infants; often leading to hospitalization.

RSV is a single-stranded, negative oriented, unsegmented RNA virus, a member of the family Pneumoviridae. It is surrounded by a double-layer lipid envelope with embedded glycoproteins. There are two groups of RSV – A and B – which differ in the antigen structure of their G-protein. They usually circulate at the same time; however, RSV A is typically dominant. High-risk patients are premature babies, children with pre-existing pulmonary conditions and/or cardiac anomalies, as well as people with immunodeficiencies or suppressed immune systems. Children with cardiac anomalies are at higher risk because their respiratory passages are especially narrow and can swell up due to the RSV infection.

RSV is transmitted via droplets. The virus enters the body through mucous membranes. Transmission…