About this topic
Respiratory syncytial virus is a type of germ. It is also called RSV. It has the same signs as the common cold and flu. This virus spreads through very tiny drops of moisture. These come from your nose or mouth when you breathe, cough, or sneeze. An RSV infection most often goes away in 1 to 2 weeks. You may need treatment in a hospital if the infection is very bad. You may have RSV more than one time. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. Try taking sips of fluids throughout the day.
- You may use nose drops to relieve your nose stuffiness.
- A cool mist humidifier in your room may help loosen secretions. It may also help with other signs.
- If you have trouble breathing, sit upright.
- Use 2 or 3 pillows under your head and shoulders when you lie down. This may make it easier to breathe when you sleep.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
No drugs treat RSV. Your doctor may use drugs to help your signs. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Open the airways
- Make breathing easier
- Help with swelling
- Control coughing
- Treat a sore throat
- Help a runny or stuffy nose
- Lower fever
Will physical activity be limited?
Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat soft foods like soup if swallowing is too painful. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Too much fluid loss. This is dehydration.
- Very bad lung problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Do not share utensils and glasses.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Talk to your doctor about shots to prevent RSV.
- Get a flu shot each year.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough.
- Trouble breathing or you are breathing very fast. Taking more than 40 breaths a minute is breathing too fast.
- Bluish color of the skin, lips, and nail beds.
- Throwing up or you have less urine
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my breathing.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or a bluish color of the skin, lips, or nailbeds.
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/respiratory-syncytial-virus/understanding-rsv.html ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/rsv-vrs/index_e.php ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/rsv/understanding/Pages/quickFacts.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚