RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is the most frequent cause of serious respiratory infection in infants and children younger than 4 years of age. It commonly occurs during the winter months.

How is it contracted?

From a sibling, friend, or older adult that may have cold symptoms.

How is it spread?

Droplets from the respiratory tract. The virus can live up to 6 hours on table tops, clothing, etc.

Care of the RSV patient.

1. Private room or mixing of two RSV patients in the same room if private not available.
2. Contact isolation and use of gloves throughout the hospital stay, and the use of gowns when in direct care of patient.
3. Strict hand washing procedures.
4. Precautions will be maintained by hospital staff during transportation to other areas of the hospital.

How is it treated?

There are various ways in which RSV can be treated. This can range from home care to hospitalization with the use of high humidity tents, respiratory treatments by hand held nebulizers, or Riboviran therapy. Often times, frequent suctioning is needed.

High Humidity Tent

• The tent will be cool on the inside.
• It will be damp and the child's clothes and linen will be changed periodically.
• It will be foggy but there should not be moisture dripping from the inside of the tent (on the sides).
• The nurse or respiratory therapist should be notified to turn the tent on and off as needed.
• If you have a concern or question on how the tent may be working, notify your nurse. The nurse will notify Respiratory Therapy if needed. Respiratory Therapy routinely checks for proper functioning of the tent.
• The plastic "tent" should be tucked securely under the mattress and siderails up at all times.

Hand-Held Nebulizer Treatments (HHNs)

• Your doctor will order the HHNs for your child.
• Respiratory Therapy will come and administer these treatments.
• If your child requires a treatment other than the ones scheduled, the nurse will contact the doctor and/or Respiratory Therapy so a treatment can be obtained.

Can an RSV Infection Recur?

Yes it can, but generally in a milder form.

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