(Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV causes infections of the upper respiratory tract (like a
cold) and the lower respiratory tract (like pneumonia). It is
the most frequent cause of lower respiratory tract infections
in infants and children under 2 years of age.
In most children symptoms appear similar to a mild cold. About
half the infections result in lower respiratory tract infections
and otitis media (ear infection). An RSV infection can range from
very mild to life-threatening or even fatal.
Outbreaks of RSV commonly begin in late fall, peak in mid-December
through February, and fade out by early spring.
The most effective preventive measure against the spread of
RSV is careful and frequent handwashing. Once one child in a group
is infected with RSV, spread to others is rapid. Frequently, a
child is infectious before symptoms appear.
There is no need to exclude a child from child care unless he
or she is not well enough to participate in usual activities.
If an adult in a child care facility develops a RSV illness, he
or she must be sure that procedures regarding handwashing, hygiene,
disposal of tissues and cleaning and disinfection of toys are
followed.
Below are some sites on the WWW selected by the HSA as being worthwhile
sources of information. They should NOT be relied upon for personal
diagnosis or treatment. These sites are provided for general educational
aid only, and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation
with your physician. If you have questions, please contact your
healthcare provider. HSA does not endorse any of these organizations.
This list is not comprehensive
Links to more RSV sites
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