Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (R-S-V, /ˌrɛspəˈrætɔːri sɪŋˈsaɪtiəl ˈvaɪrəs/) is a virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus can also infect adults.
Etymology
The term "Respiratory Syncytial Virus" is derived from its tendency to cause syncytium formation, a process in which infected cells merge together into large multinucleated cells. The term "respiratory" refers to its primary site of infection in the respiratory system.
Symptoms
In adults and older, healthy children, the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus are often mild and typically mimic the common cold. In young children and babies, however, RSV can cause a severe lower respiratory tract infection, leading to serious conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Related Terms
- Bronchiolitis: An inflammation of the bronchioles, the smallest air passages of the lungs.
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
- Syncytium: A large cell-like structure filled with cytoplasm containing several nuclei.
Prevention and Treatment
There is currently no vaccine for RSV. Prevention methods include good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with those infected. Treatment is typically supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms and may include hospitalization in severe cases.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Wikipedia's article - Respiratory Syncytial Virus
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