How is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection Detected?

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of viral respiratory infections. It induces an illness similar to a common cold but can lead to severe and even life-threatening infections in the lungs and respiratory tract, especially in young children and individuals over 60 years old.

In many cases, diagnosing RSV infection can be challenging as its symptoms closely resemble those of a common cold or the flu. Visiting a doctor for confirmation of an RSV diagnosis is not always necessary. However, depending on the medical history, a laboratory test may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is highly contagious and tends to follow a seasonal pattern, reaching its peak during the winter months. Self-diagnosis of RSV or other specific respiratory viruses can be difficult, as they typically exhibit similar symptoms in individuals who are otherwise in good health.

What are the Differences in Symptoms Between Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection and the Common Cold?

The symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection are similar to those of a common cold. RSV infection symptoms usually include:

– Coughing and a stuffy nose
– Sneezing
– Sore throat
– Headache
– Low-grade fever (37.5-38.5°C)
– Fatigue
– Loss of appetite

The symptoms of a common cold are very similar to those of RSV, typically involving:

– Coughing and a stuffy nose
– Sneezing
– Sore throat
– Headache

When RSV symptoms become more severe and extend deeper into the lower respiratory tract, they may include:

– High fever
– Wheezing
– Serious, persistent cough
– Rapid breathing
– Difficulty breathing
– Chest retractions (visible sinking of the chest during inhalation)
– Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
– Bluish lips, fingers, or skin color (cyanosis)

A common cold is much less likely to spread to the lower respiratory tract and cause these symptoms.

How is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection Diagnosed?

Testing is not required to diagnose RSV. For generally healthy older children, teenagers, and adults, home care and rest are usually sufficient to overcome RSV infection or other respiratory infections. A physical examination and diagnostic testing to confirm the virus may be necessary only if the symptoms become severe or if the patient is at high risk of complications due to age, chronic conditions, or other factors such as a weakened immune system.

For high-risk patients, the doctor typically inquires about fever, exhaustion, and signs of dehydration during the medical history assessment. The patient should also share information about any other health problems or medications that may weaken the immune system.

RSV infection is particularly dangerous for babies, especially those born before 37 gestational weeks or those with heart or lung issues. In high-risk cases where complications from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection are likely, additional testing may be considered.

Several laboratory tests can be performed for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), involving samples from the upper or lower respiratory tract. The sample can be obtained using a swab or a saline solution. Tests used to detect RSV infection include:

1. RSV culture test, which indicates the presence of live viruses in a sample.
2. rRT-PCR RSV test, highly sensitive as it searches for viral genes, typically used in older children, teenagers, and adults.
3. Rapid antigen RSV test, sensitive in children (detects infection in 80% to 90% of cases), commonly used for young children. The rapid antigen test is less sensitive than PCR-based tests, posing a challenge for older children and adults with lower viral loads (amount of virus in the body). It is less frequently used for older children and adults for this reason.
4. The Sera RSV test requires a blood sample and is used to study and track Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) levels in a given community. This test is employed to determine if the patient has recently had an RSV infection.
5. Some combined tests for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and other viruses can help differentiate an RSV diagnosis from other respiratory viruses. A panel for respiratory pathogens can simultaneously check for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses and bacteria.

How Long Can RSV Be Transmitted?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus, spreading quickly from person to person through touch or airborne droplets. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or handles and then touching the face. Viral particles can survive on surfaces for several hours.

The incubation period for RSV infection typically lasts three to five days after exposure and infection. Most healthy adults and children with the infection show improvement within a week or two after the onset of symptoms.

After contracting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a person can typically transmit the virus to others one or two days before showing symptoms. The virus can be transmitted for a total of three to eight days. Individuals with a weakened immune system may have more difficulties clearing the virus from their bodies. Such patients can remain infectious for up to four weeks, even after it appears they have recovered and stopped showing symptoms of the infection.