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Faith Ministry Stories

Respiratory Syncytial Virus – RSV

Posted by Jean Peikert, RN on

RSV is a common virus that causes infections of the respiratory system. Infections caused by RSV include upper respiratory tract infections (colds), bronchiolitis (infection of lung passages), and pneumonia. RSV is spread from person to person when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, allowing the virus to be carried on droplets of saliva or mucus. Late fall to early spring is most common for RSV.

Symptoms of RSV start about 3 to 7 days after being exposed. This will include fever, runny nose, cough, chest congestion, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms.

There is no specific treatment for RSV, and antibiotics are not helpful. There are medications to relieve symptoms like acetaminophen for fever or albuterol for wheezing. Symptoms usually improve in 1 to 2 weeks.

February is “American Heart Month” so take time to take care of your heart. Some suggestions, be active, eat healthy, and quit smoking.

“There is no exercise better for your heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” –John Holmes