The Respiratory Syncytial Virus is the most common pathogen that leads to lower respiratory tract infections in people of all ages. However, children are particularly susceptible to its effects. The acute respiratory infection that was caused manifests itself in various ways in adults and children. Bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia are the most common symptoms this virus brings. According to an examination of the epidemiological study conducted on the virus, inflammation of the lungs and airways inflammation and pneumonia are primarily caused by the virus in children who have not yet reached their first birthday (Haber, 2018). Because they compromise the integrity of the primary line of defense immunity, certain diseases, including preterm delivery, heart and lung disease, and other illnesses that cause immunodeficiency, can increase the likelihood of developing a severe disease caused by RSV. One of the most noticeable aspects of the infection is persistent wheezing, an abnormality in pulmonary infections.
Acute lower respiratory tract infection caused by RSV is a leading contributor to the mortality rate in children younger than five. For example, in 2015, more than 50,000 children died due to the illness. Over ninety-eight percent of these deaths were reported to have occurred in underdeveloped countries (Linder & Malani, 2017). There is a lack of relevant clinical data regarding the prevalence of RSV and the accompanying mortality rates, although RSV is one of the leading causes of death in infants. According to the currently available data, most RSV-related child deaths occur between the ages of one and one hundred years (Linder & Malani, 2017). The majority of deaths attributed to RSV are the result of other underlying diseases. On the other hand, most life-threatening RSV infections occur in previously healthy children.
RSV has emerged as a significant health concern for those already coping with lung and cardiac conditions. In the past, RSV infection was typically seen in younger patients, specifically youngsters. On the other hand, findings from more recent research suggest that there has been a general upward trend in the prevalence of RSV infection in adults and the elderly. According to a study carried out in 2005, RSV infections formed annually in the range of 3% to 7% of healthy elderly patients and 4% to 10% of individuals at high risk (Griffiths et al., 2017). RSV poses a unique challenge within populations of elderly persons in communal settings (Griffiths et al., 2017). During winter outbreaks, nursing homes and other care facilities typically experience an increase in the number of infections that occur.
Work absenteeism and high financial costs from medical visits have been connected to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemics that occur yearly, the morbidity associated with RSV infections, and the likelihood of re-infection among people of all ages. Infection with RSV in elderly people can cause various respiratory diseases, including severe pneumonia and colds (Linder & Malani, 2017). In senior patients, respiratory illness brought on by RSV infections can last for a significant time. Infections caused by RSV can lead to congestion in the nose, persistent coughing, and involvement of the ears and sinuses. Despite this, they are likely to result in absenteeism from work due to headaches, fever, and other symptoms. One of the most significant disadvantages of having an RSV infection is that it can cause a parent to miss work due to the illness.
This study is being done to improve our understanding of the virus. Basic research on RSV has been conducted and is being supported by governments worldwide in partnership with various international health organizations. These studies have also concentrated on aspects of both humans and animals that, when present, increase the likelihood of contracting RSV infection (Schweitzer & Justice, 2018). Following the collection and analysis of this data, completely novel, risk-free, and very effective strategies for treating and preventing RSV have been developed.
In addition, the governments have provided financial assistance to initiatives working to create a preventative drug for RSV infection. The research conducted by scientists working at the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases has been successful and has contributed to producing the only preventive drug now on the market for RSV. These researchers are continuing their work toward developing RSV vaccinations in the form of nasal sprays (Schweitzer & Justice, 2018). This kind of spray has the potential to not only give direct stimulation of local immunity in the sinuses, lungs, throat, and nasal passages but also can assist in making the process of administering the vaccine easier and less painful.
Since respiratory syncytial virus infection is a viral illness, the pediatrician will not be able to prescribe antibiotics for my child. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat infections thought to have been brought on by bacterial organisms. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. As a result, they cannot be used to treat viral illnesses such as ear and sinus infections, bronchitis, sore throats, the flu, colds, and particularly respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants. Antibiotics are not always necessary, and sometimes treating the symptoms with different methods might be just as effective (Griffiths et al., 2017). The pediatrician takes such precautions to avoid the emergence of hazardous and unnecessary adverse effects of the use of antibiotics, as well as the additional development of antibiotic resistance by the baby. This could result in the future ability of bacteria to become resistant to the impact of antibiotic treatment on the child’s immune system while causing more damage.
Treatment for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically comprises palliative care. Although various treatments have been tried, none have shown promise in significantly improving the symptoms or the underlying cause of the illness. The primary goal of the treatment strategy is to keep the patient well-hydrated and oxygenated. Some other treatment choices that could be considered include immune prophylaxis and antiviral medication (Chan et al., 2018). The first strategy uses a human-mouse monoclonal antibody’s activity, which acts as an antagonist to the pathogen’s membrane fusion mechanism. The latter procedure needs the consumption of ribavirin, the only medicine permitted for treating RSV infection in the United States.
In conclusion, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most prevalent respiratory tract diseases. Although children are more likely to contract this sickness than older people, the elderly are also frequently affected. It is a significant factor in the overall mortality rate in children younger than five years old. As a consequence of this, several different players have expressed a significant amount of interest in it. Researching to understand the virus better and developing other treatment options are two of the many things that are being done to combat this sickness.
References
Chan, K. F., Carolan, L. A., Druce, J., Chappell, K., Watterson, D., Young, P., & Reading, P. C. (2018). Pathogenesis, humoral immune responses, and transmission between cohoused animals in a ferret model of human respiratory syncytial virus infection. Journal of Virology, 92(4), e01322-17.
Griffiths, C., Drews, S., & Marchant, D. (2017). Respiratory syncytial virus: infection, detection, and new options for prevention and treatment. Clinical Microbiology Review, 30(1), 277 – 319.
Haber, N. (2018). Respiratory syncytial virus infection in elderly adults. Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses, 48(6), 377-382.
Linder, K., & Malani, P. (2017). Respiratory Syncytial Virus. JAMA, 317(1), 98.
Schweitzer, J., & Justice, N. (2018). Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). StatPearls Publishing LLC. Web.