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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Alternative Names: RSV Symptoms: nasal congestion nasal flaring cough rapid breathing (tachypnea) breathing difficulty or labored breathing shortness of breath cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin caused by lack of oxygen) wheezing fever croupy cough (often described as a "seal bark" cough) Note: Symptoms are variable and differ with age. Infants less than one year old are most severely affected and often have the most trouble breathing. Older children usually have only mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms usually appear 4-6 days after exposure. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below Rapid tests for this virus can be performed at many hospitals on fluid obtained from the nose. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation ) may reveal wheezes or other abnormal lung sounds. Tests used in the diagnosis of RSV include: a chest X-ray (may show pneumonia or bronchiolitis) arterial blood gas analysis (demonstrates decreased oxygen saturation) References: Meissner HC, Long SS; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Revised indications for the use of palivizumab and respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infections. Pediatrics. 2003 Dec;112(6 Pt 1):1447-52.

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