Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory system and is common in children, but adults can also get it.
Symptoms are mild and usually resemble the common cold, and only self-care measures will be needed to alleviate the discomfort, which usually appears four to six days after exposure to the virus.
In Hidalgo, fourteen cases were reported during this year, in connection with which the head of the Hidalgo Ministry of Health (SSH), Maria Soraida Robles Barrera, instructed the public to inform about this disease, especially in light of the temperature changes that are registered in the organization.
In severe cases, he said, the virus can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis, inflammation of the small airways that enter the lungs.
Signs and symptoms may include fever, severe cough, wheezing, a high-pitched sound usually heard on exhalation, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, and the person may prefer to sit rather than lie down, and a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis).
At the same time, employees of the sub-department of epidemiology of the CHS indicated that the respiratory syncytial virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth.
It is easily transmitted through the air by infected respiratory droplets, and a person can become infected if an RSV patient coughs or sneezes nearby.
In addition, the virus can survive for hours on hard objects such as countertops, crib rails, and toys. If there is contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a contaminated object, infection is very likely.
According to this address, RSV is not subject to epidemiological surveillance by SISVER, however, in cases that tested negative for Covid-19 and influenza, they were processed for a viral panel confirming fourteen cases of respiratory syncytial virus during 2023 in the state of Hidalgo.
Relevant data
In adults and older children, RSV usually causes symptoms very similar to those of a cold, which may include a runny or stuffy nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache.
In most cases, recovery occurs within one to two weeks, although some may have recurrent wheezing.
Measures to prevent the occurrence of a viral infection include washing hands, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, keeping objects, door surfaces, handles, kitchen and bathroom countertops clean.
Throw away used tissues immediately, don’t share glasses with other people, and use your own glass or disposable cup if you’re sick and don’t smoke.
People exposed to tobacco smoke have a higher risk of contracting RSV and have more severe symptoms, wash toys regularly, do not self-medicate, and do not seek medical attention when symptoms develop.
