The winter season has started. Due to low temperature the risk of many diseases increases. Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) also increase in this season. What is RSV? Why do cases increase in winter? To know the answers to many such questions, we Dr. Himanshu Bhadani in the Pediatric Department at Delhi AIIMS Have talked to. Dr. Bhadani has explained in detail about this virus.
Dr. Himanshu explains that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes infection in the lungs and respiratory tract. It is so common that most children become infected with this virus by the age of 2 years. Although it infects older people also, cases are more common in children. RSV can cause serious infections in some people, including children (infants) 12 months of age and younger, especially premature infants, people with heart and lung disease, or people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).
Do more cases come in winter?
Dr. Himanshu explains thatrsv Cases are seen throughout the year, but some cases increase in winter. When the temperature drops, there is a risk of increasing cases of RSV infection. This happens because in this season there is less moisture in the air and the virus spreads rapidly. In this season, there is deficiency of Vitamin D in people’s body which increases the risk of virus.
Dr. explains that most of the cases of RSV occur in children and this virus gets cured in a few days, it takes maximum two weeks, but in some cases its symptoms can also be severe. If there is persistent cough, rapid breathing and wheezing in the chest, one should immediately go to the hospital. One should not be careless in this matter.
What are the early symptoms of RSV?
feeling cold
severe body pain
pain and sore throat
runny nose
mild fever
fast breathing, blocked or persistent runny nose
How to avoid?
protect children from cold wind
wash hands frequently
Avoid taking children to crowded places
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