Is RSV the same as pneumonia?
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Is RSV the same as pneumonia?
Pneumonia. RSV is the most common cause of inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) or the lungs’ airways (bronchiolitis) in infants. These complications can occur when the virus spreads to the lower respiratory tract.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children and the second most common viral cause of pneumonia in adults. Patients with RSV pneumonia typically present with fever, nonproductive cough, otalgia, anorexia, and dyspnea.
What are the first signs of RSV?
Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties. Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days.
What are the signs of pneumonia in a child?
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
- fever.
- cough.
- chills.
- fast breathing.
- breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds.
- working hard to breathe.
- vomiting.
- chest pain.
How long does the RSV virus last?
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.
How do adults get RSV?
RSV is an airborne virus that can be spread a few different ways, including: Coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Droplets of the virus from a cough and sneeze getting into your eyes, nose or mouth. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a surface infected with the virus.
Can RSV cause pneumonia in adults?
Most cases of RSV in adults and healthy children will not require treatment. Infants and older adults at greatest risk of severe RSV can develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis or experience a worsening of their existing heart and lung conditions and may require hospitalization.
What type of pneumonia is RSV?
How long does pneumonia last in a child?
Rest, over-the-counter pain medicine, healthy food, and plenty of fluids will help your child recover at home. Mild pneumonia often goes away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your child may need 6 to 8 weeks or longer to recover from a bad case of pneumonia.
How serious is RSV?
For most babies and young children, the infection causes nothing more than a cold. But for a small percentage, infection with RSV can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening problems such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways of the lungs.