A child is given life by its progenitors. The infant is totally dependant on it caregivers for every need. It seeks protection from all things like ailments and physical dangers from its caregivers, as it cannot do the same for itself. Diseases can strike the helpless beings and threaten their very existence but it is up to its protectors to analyze and prevent the danger. Knowledge is the only weapon that can be used to protect our own.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a disease which can be mistaken for a common cold due to its symptoms but it much more dangerous. This virus can cause respiratory illnesses that can lead to chronic lung disease, heart ailments and in severe cases even death for the affected.

This is a viral infection of the lungs .It is one of the major causes of lower respiratory tract infection. It causes both mild and serious respiratory distress in older infants. Most children fall victim to this disease at the tender age of two years and continue to be re infected throughout their lives. Respiratory Syncytial virus is rampant in temperate climate in winters. In the US the season for RSV usually is January and February. The disease is so virulent it transcends geographical barriers and can strike any or everybody.

RSV spreads through contact with the infected person. Droplets from the mucous membranes transmit this disease. It also spreads through fomites (articles the infected person has handled) and even surfaces that he has touched.

The range of infection varies from very mild illness to serious respiratory disorders. Lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia occur in very young, very old and those with weakened immune systems. The symptoms can last for several weeks or some days making this disease difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are very similar to those of a cold in children. Stuffy nose, coughs, and sometimes ear infections compound this problem. In older children this virus is responsible for upper respiratory tract infection like nose, throat and sinuses.

Symptoms that point out RSV infection in the lower respiratory tract are low-grade fever for several days, a cough that last for a fortnight or so. Respiratory symptoms are also evident in this infection like difficult, and rapid breathing, and deep coughing. Symptoms in new borns and young adults include, listlessness, poor feeding and irritability.

Exposure to the RSV virus and subsequent infection can result in development of serious breathing problems and in infants less than six months can lead to chronic lung, and heart disease. In some cases it my even lead to death. The incubation period for this virus is 3-5 days. There are definitive tests for the identification of this infection, like nasal swabs, but the diagnosis is generally on the basis of the season. Children with underlying health problems, like lung and heart problems, and aged people are more at risk of serious infection and long lasting effects.

Treatment factors taken into account are the age, health, medical history, extent of the infection and the tolerance to the virus. There are no antibiotics, which can be prescribed for this ailment. Supplemental oxygen, intravenous feeding, and bronchodilator medicines are used to clear the airways. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed for the very sick. The monoclonal antibody, which can be given monthly but this, is generally to lessen the effects of the illness and is not a vaccine.

Covering the expulsions from the nose and the mouth can reduce the risk of infection as will the frequent washing of hands with soap and water. Maintain a hygienic lifestyle and protect your child from this devastating ailment.