Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Warning Signs: What To Look Out For
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Overview
A viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by the virus Respiratory syncytial viru. This commonly affects children below the age of 2 years.
Symptoms
If you're experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a health care provider.
The symptoms depends on the severity, age and health of the infected person.
Mild flu-like symptoms in older children and adults such as
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Mild headache
- Mild cough
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
Severe symptoms in children and the immunocompromised include
- Discoloration of skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
- Severe cough
- Fever
→ Common treatment options
→ Questions to ask your doctor
Causes
Infection is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. The virus enters the body through eyes, nose or mouth.
- Spreads via infected droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing of an infected person
- Direct contact with an infected person e.g. handshakes
The risks are high among
- Children less than age 2 years
- Premature infants
- Children with weak immune system
- Children in crowded child care centers
- Adults with asthma or other lung and heart diseases
- Persons with weak immune system
→ Do you have a health question on your mind for human respiratory syncytial virus? Ask professionals from across the world
→ Interested to know more? Check out the full article here
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