According to the Centers for Disease Control, respiratory syncytial virus -- or RSV -- is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
Wellstar pediatrician Sivan Hines, M.D., addressed the top concerns 11Alive viewers expressed about RSV.
Q -- IS IT A TOP CAUSE OF DEATH?
A -- “As for infectious causes of death, between the ages of one month and one-year RSV is the number one infectious cause of death. But that number is relatively small so it's not a reason to panic, but a reason to understand, says Hines.”
Q -- WHY DON’T DOCTORS TEST FOR IT?
A -- Dr. Hines says most doctors may not test for RSV initially because in most cases it doesn’t change how the patient is treated. She says the exceptions are children and elderly patients with other medical conditions or infants two months a younger.
Q -- WHY HAS THERE BEEN AN INCREASE?
A -- “Every year we see a large amount of RS,” Dr. Hines continues saying the peak times for RSV is December to April each year. “Just because the numbers may increase or decrease slightly, doesn’t indicated a bigger or smaller problem.”
Q -- WHY IS IT SO CONTAGIOUS?
A -- It’s a virus, not a bacterial infection, so you can't use antibiotics to treat it. RSV can also stay on your hands for hours, so it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly and often.