What is Upper Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? How to prevent and treat it?

As widely reported in the media, within 3 days, a total of seven babies in Tuen Mun Hospital have been infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) , including an 11-day-old boy who is still in critical condition and a 5-month-old girl who is still in serious condition. According to the Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections can occur throughout the year.

What is RSV?

RSV is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections, especially in infants, young children and the elderly. It is the most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in infants under 1 year of age and can be transmitted via secretions and droplets, causing respiratory illnesses such as tracheal, pulmonary and middle ear infections. 

Symptoms of RSV infection

Common Symptoms.

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
• Teething (blue) around the lips or nails
• Lethargy or decreased activity level
• Dehydration

Severe symptoms.

In severe cases, RSV infection can also cause pneumonia or bronchitis, which can be life-threatening for the infant. 

Premature babies or babies with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, are at higher risk of developing a serious RSV infection. 

Parents should closely monitor the reaction to the infection and seek medical attention if shortness of breath, cyanosis (blue coloring) around the lips or fingernails, or lethargy occur.

Incubation period of RSV infection

The incubation period is less than 10 days, usually 5 to 7 days.

Prevention of upper respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine is effective in preventing RSV*. In April 2024, the Department of Health of Hong Kong approved the use of single-dose RSV vaccines from Pfizer and GSK.In July 2024, Pfizer began supplying the first single-dose vaccine against both RSV A and RSV B in Hong Kong. It is also the first RSV vaccine that targets both the elderly and infants.

*The Pfizer vaccine has an overall efficacy of 82.6% and a preventive efficacy of 91.4% against lower respiratory tract diseases caused by RSV. Source： Awosika AO, Patel P. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F (RSVPreF3) Vaccine. [Updated 2024 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan

In addition, daily hygiene is good for RSV prevention.

Hand hygiene

Washing your hands frequently is an effective way to prevent respiratory infections, especially before and after contact with infants and young children, or after activities in public places. Rub your hands with hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds and then rinse. If you have not washed your hands, it is not recommended to touch infants.

Avoid contact with the virus

Avoid contact with people with RSV, especially during epidemics and in high-traffic areas of public places, and wear a surgical mask if infection is common.

Improve indoor ventilation

Keep the air inside your home well ventilated by opening windows or using an air purifier that is designed to kill the virus, keep the air inside your home free of toxins, and change filters regularly. 

There are many types of air purification devices on the market that claim to be able to kill viruses. However, they are often poorly tested and ineffective. This is especially true when it comes to air purification in large industrial-scale establishments, where ordinary commercial-grade products are often overwhelmed.

The VIRUSKILLER series air purifier is recommended to kill 99.99% of viruses, including RSV, influenza, Corona-virus and many other airborne viruses. The VIRUSKILLER is a patented technology from the UK, made in Korea, which provides protection for both large commercial establishments and small to medium-sized personal spaces.

Frequent surface disinfection

RSV virus can stay on the surface of objects such as furniture, toys, toilets or other common items for several hours. Use Rentokil Initial's surface disinfection service to have professional protection against the viruses.

Maintain good health

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as proper rest, balanced diet and exercise, can strengthen the body's immunity and reduce the risk of infection.

Breastfeed if possible

Breastfeeding has a protective effect on infants and can strengthen the immune system.

Follow your doctor's instructions

If you have symptoms of RSV infection, such as fever, cough, runny nose, etc., you should wear a mask and seek medical advice in a timely manner to avoid aggravation of the disease.

In conclusion, the main ways to prevent RSV infection are to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid exposure to the virus, enhance indoor ventilation and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What should I do if the infant has been infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? 

Monitor your infant's symptoms

Pay close attention to your infant's symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and fever. If your infant has severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cyanosis (blue skin or lips) or lethargy, seek immediate medical attention.

Keep your baby well hydrated

Feed or sip water frequently to help prevent dehydration, which may occur if your infant has a fever or vomits.

Use a cool-mist humidifier

A cold-mist humidifier can help relieve nasal congestion and make it easier for your baby to breathe. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.

Use saline drops or suction

A saline drip followed by suctioning can help clear your baby's nasal passages and relieve nasal congestion. If you are not sure how to implement the drops treatment, contact your doctor.

Follow your doctor's instructions

If your infant has been started on medications, such as antivirals or bronchodilators, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Isolate your infant

To prevent the spread of RSV to others, keep your infant at home and out of close contact with others until symptoms improve.

Rentokil Initial continues to provide expert surface disinfection and air disinfection solutions for hospitals, schools, office spaces and more. Contact us for the latest solution details.

How can we deal with air borne diseases?

After Covid pandemic, people’s knowledge about air hygiene has been significantly changed. The air quality control has been a must in many public areas like offices and schools. The measurements of reducing air borne diseases and pollutions should be kept as a long term health strategy. 

You should also care about workplace or resident mold infestation problem due to the fact that mold spores are catogoraized in PM10 as a crucial pathogen of indoor air hygiene. See how our mold removal service can help you to reduce mold threat in a long run.

Check out our VIRUSKILLER air purifier range. See how to prevent day to day tiny particle pollution in a long run.

Reference Article

(1) Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection - Respiratory syncytial virus infection

(2) Ming Pao - One more baby infected with syncytial virus in Tuen Mun Hospital ward