【What you need to know about RSV?】
The main cause for bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants under the age of one!
2024-03-15
If you’re paying attention to the news this winter flu season, there is a lot more talk about a respiratory virus called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). A contagious virus that causes respiratory tract illnesses with symptoms similar to the flu and COVID-19, infections caused by RSV can be quite serious, especially for infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what you need to know about RSV infections, so you can protect yourself and your family against infection.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. In fact, RSV infections are so common that most children have gotten at least 1 RSV infection by the age of 2!
- Common Symptoms: Fever, cough, runny nose, headache, body ache/weakness, loss of appetite
- Complications: Pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media
- Infection Season: 香港的春夏季
Who is more likely to get an RSV infection?
RSV infections can infect people of all ages, but the severity of the symptoms may vary. While RSV infections in healthy adults and children may exhibit mild symptoms like a common cold, those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience complications. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants under the age of one!
RSV infections can also cause serious complications for the elderly, and is becoming an increasing concern as populations continue to age.
- People at high risk of serious complications:
- Premature infants
- Infants aged 6 months and younger
- Those with chronic heart or lung disease
- Those with weaken immune systems
- The elderly
How does RSV spread?
RSV is very contagious, and can spread through direct contact, touching a contaminated surface or respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also live on surfaces like doorknobs and tables for hours.
- How it spreads: Respiratory droplets
- Incubation period: About 1-10 days
How do you know if you’re infected with RSV?
RSV symptoms are very similar with other respiratory infections. Getting tested can be a great way to protect yourself and your family against infection and / or complications.
The INDICAID RESPIRATORY 5-in-1 Rapid Antigen Test can help you quickly differentiate among 5 common respiratory viruses that might be causing your symptoms (e.g. COVID-19, Flu A & B, RSV or ADV), and help you and your family seek the right treatment earlier.
RESPIRATORY 5-in-1 Rapid Antigen Test
- 4x more accurate than comparable brands1
- FDA recognized Hong Kong brand
- 99% accuracy 2
- Used by private hospitals
- 小童適用
How are RSV infections treated?
- Treatment options: Getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and seeking medical advice for serious symptoms
- Medication options: Antiviral agents may be used for those with congenital heart or lung disease
How can RSV infections be prevented?
- Prevention options: RSV vaccines are available in Hong Kong for adults 60 years and older
- Good habits to prevent infections: Handwashing, cleaning shared surfaces, and staying at home when ill
Remarks:
1 INDICAID RESPIRATORY 5-in-1 Rapid Antigen Test has a Limit of Detection (LoD) over 4 times as low as other comparable brands. A low LoD value means the test can detect the virus even when the viral load is low, or when the patient is in an early stage of infection, which can help patients access earlier treatment options.
2 呼吸道病毒5合1測試準確度達99%
- 新冠病毒：靈敏度 99.04%、特異度100%
- Flu A: Sensitivity: 97.89%, Specificity: 99.32%
- 乙型流感病毒：靈敏度 97.83%、特異度99.28%
- 呼吸道合胞病毒：靈敏度 96.43%、特異度98.58%
- 呼吸道腺病毒：靈敏度 97.80%、特異度99.32%
