RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL DISEASE

Respiratory syncytial disease = Disease

Respiratory syncytial virus = virus

Seasonal (November-April)

Single stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus, enveloped

Most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in kids under age 1

Approximately 50,000 hospitalized in U.S. per year

Almost everyone gets it by age 2; only a small percentage get serious disease

Risk for premature infants, kids under 2 with medical conditions (lung disease, immunocompromised)

Transmitted via respiratory droplets, fomites

Incubation period 4-6 days

Signs and Symptoms:

Fever, runny nose, cough, wheezing, sneeze, decreased appetite

Contagious 3-8 days up to 4 weeks

Testing rapid (antigen) is 80-90% accurate. Culture, PCR

Treat symptoms

Prevention:

Preemies and kids with certain medical conditions monoclonal antibody to prevent viral attachment. Monthly injections during respiratory syncytial disease season.

Recombinant vaccines are available for people age 60 and over and pregnant women 32-36 weeks of gestation to protect infants 0-6 months.