The `respiratory syncytial` virus is spreading among children in several countries... and specialists explain the correct treatment methods

Weather of Arabia - It is noted that the infection among children increased during this period with symptoms similar to the common cold or influenza, but the infection and its symptoms take longer for some, and may extend to 14 days until complete recovery, and often parents think that it is corona or influenza, which is not so in the opinion of specialists , noting that the symptoms of viruses are generally similar.

Wide spread of respiratory syncytial virus

According to what was reported by the "Al-Dustour" newspaper, the specialists confirmed that the prevalence and prevalence of cold or flu symptoms among children is global and the countries that are constantly monitoring found a wide spread of the respiratory syncytial virus that may cause infections in the lungs and respiratory tract, and it is very common to the extent that most children have been infected with it. before they are two years old.

Experts told Al-Dustour that this virus infects healthy adults and children, and the elderly, except that the symptoms are mild, and usually resemble the symptoms of a cold, such as a slight increase in temperature and sore throat, but it may severely affect adults who suffer from a weakened immune system. and heart and lung problems.

And they confirmed that the respiratory syncytial virus causes severe infection in some people, including children aged 12 months and under (infants), especially those born before they complete nine months (premature birth).

Correct methods of treatment of respiratory syncytial virus

Specialists have warned against using a cold shot, which is completely prohibited due to its danger to adults and children. This needle has spread in recent years despite its harm, and it is a mixture of cortisone, an antibiotic, and an analgesic because there is a risk of using it due to cortisone, which leads to a decrease in the person’s immunity and may cause him bacteria with The virus or leads to giving strength to the virus in a large way, so it should always be avoided for children and adults.

They pointed out that this virus is completely cured, but one must refrain from giving incorrect treatments, reviewing specialists, and not dispensing medicines from pharmacies or previously prescribed medicines.

Pediatric diseases and virologist Mahmoud Barakat said that we must pay great attention to the accompanying symptoms that indicate this virus, especially with its presence in many countries, and it is a virus that has nothing to do with antibiotics, and we always emphasize that viruses are not given antibiotics, but many Parents resort to pharmacies to buy antibiotics and cough medicine, especially those that contain cortisone, and this is wrong , stressing that parents should not deal with any virus, whether corona, respiratory syncytial, or influenza, in the same way when the temperature rises, as the child in this case is given an antipyretic, and he prefers paracetamol or what he describes. The specialist doctor, according to the doses he prescribes, said it is strictly forbidden to give aspirin to children in these cases to anyone under the age of 18.

The usefulness of compresses and the correct way to use them

Barakat pointed out that the compresses help to reduce the temperature with the medicine, but everyone uses them by mistake because the compresses we need to cool the blood, so those placed on the forehead do not help, but the compresses must be placed on both sides of the neck and placed in the operculum, the place where blood is drawn, and it will reduce the temperature significantly fast.

Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Respiratory syncytial symptoms often appear four to six days after exposure to the virus. Mild symptoms range from runny nose or congestion to dry cough, mild fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation. The lungs or bronchi, which are the small air passages leading to the lung, and the symptoms may include fever, severe coughing, wheezing, which is a sharp sound usually heard during exhalation, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, and symptoms may reach blueness of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis), so in such a case it is necessary Tell the doctor immediately.

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Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants

The infant specialist, Dr. Saja Al-Muhtaseb, stated that the symptoms of infants are somewhat different due to their infection, whether with a virus, corona, or influenza, and infants are the groups most affected by the respiratory syncytial virus, and symptoms include rapid, short, and shallow breathing, and labor during breathing (where the skin and muscles withdraw inward with each breath), cough and poor nutrition.

She said that with proper care, most children and adults can recover within one to two weeks, but the wheezing phenomenon may recur in some, and some premature babies or children with chronic heart or lung problems may develop severe or life-threatening infections that require hospitalization.

Regarding the confusion between Corona and any other virus, whether syncytial disease or influenza, the symptoms are mostly similar for children.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection may weaken immunity and increase the risk of COVID-19 infection for children and adults, and these two types of infection may occur together, which may lead to an increase in the severity of COVID-19 disease.

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