What are the complications of RSV?

RSV can cause more serious health problems RSV can also cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

Does RSV cause long term problems?

In addition to the acute burden of RSV, epidemiological data suggest that RSV infection in the first 3 years of life is associated with long-term respiratory morbidity, such as recurrent wheezing and asthma, decreased lung function, and possibly allergic sensitization [10–12].

How does RSV affect the body?

It can cause serious lung infections (like bronchiolitis and pneumonia) in very young babies and in children or adults with other serious health problems. These problems include heart disease the patient was born with or diseases of the muscles and nerves. RSV can only be passed between humans.

Does RSV cause permanent lung damage?

As a rule, RSV just causes a common cold and after a few days goes away. But it can cause far more serious problems including overwhelming pneumonia. Lung infections with RSV can leave permanent lung damage and even lead to death. A new drug for RSV is palivizumab (Synagis).

Does RSV leave permanent damage?

Does RSV cause lung damage?

The infection usually causes no serious damage, but it can lead to serious lung complications. RSV is one of the most common viruses to cause lung and airway infections in infants and small children.

How quickly does RSV progress?

RSV can live on hard surfaces for many hours. It takes between two to eight days from the time a person is exposed to the RSV to show symptoms. Symptoms generally last three to seven days. Most children and adults recover fully in one to two weeks.

When does RSV start to get better?

The infection starts with a fever, runny nose, and cough. As these symptoms fade, a full-body rash appears. Most kids get better in two weeks, but some develop pneumonia or other problems.

Can RSV cause brain damage?

Our findings provide evidence that RSV can spread from the airways to the central nervous system and cause functional alterations to the brain, both of which can be prevented by proper immunization against RSV.

Does RSV weaken your lungs permanently?