RSV and Metapneumovirus: Symptoms, Treatment and When to Seek Care
January is famous for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Metapneumovirus.
Who Is Most at
These are viruses that can infect people of all ages. We see an increase in infections around the month of January, but we started to document its early presence in the community through nose swabs this year. The viruses hit infants the hardest.
Common Symptoms in Infants and Young Children
In addition to getting a runny and congested nose and a fever, the virus can travel easily to their chest and give them bronchiolitis and pneumonia. If that is the case, they will experience worsening of cough and increased trouble breathing. You may see them using their chest and belly muscles to breathe, nose flaring, irritability, poor eating and tiredness.
How RSV and Metapneumovirus Are Treated
. Help is usually symptomatic at the beginning. A humidifier and keeping the nose clear of congestion with saline drops and the blue bulb are very helpful. Sometimes when children are wheezing, they respond to albuterol treatments, so we may prescribe a nebulizer and albuterol to help them breathe easier. Secondary bacterial infections like ear infections can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes they must be in the hospital for extra support.
How These Viruses Affect Older Children and Adults
For the rest of us and older children, we get a bad cold. The congestion and cough can last up to three weeks. As in infants, our treatment is symptomatic and keeping our noses clear.
