RSV: Signs and symptoms

October 16, 3:02 PMSt. Louis Family & Parenting ExaminerAngela Atkinson

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RSV. Image Credit: virology-online.com

With all the talk of swine flu, you might forget about another winter time danger. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes cold-like symptoms--and for most adults, it's no big deal.

RSV symptoms often include a stuffy or runny nose, headaches, ear ache, body aches, cough, fever and other typical cold symptoms

But for babies (especially premature babies) and kids, it can become much more serious. In addition to the symptoms described above, RSV can also affect the lungs, heart and immune system and can lead to other diseases.

While older kids' symptoms will be obvious to most parents, we may not always realize that a baby has RSV. Along with the typical symptoms, babies may also appear more lethargic than usual, eat less and be crankier.

RSV is very contagious. It can be spread easily because it can live outside the body (on surfaces or hands.) Plus, when a person with RSV coughs or sneezes, the droplets expelled into the air contain the virus.

RSV is most typically contracted between late fall and early spring. While the illness usually lasts about a week, it can extend several weeks in some cases.

Next Time: RSV: Prevention and Treatment