Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RS virus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the human body’s respiratory system. Symptoms range from mild colds to severe respiratory issues. This virus has been more prevalent in recent years in infants, younger children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people. Flu season has just begun, and more and more people are getting affected by various respiratory issues. The RIVM has already warned the authorities to keep a close watch on babies and younger children with symptoms that may hint at RS virus.
Laboratories across the Netherlands provide detailed reports to RIVM, documenting the viruses they have identified each week. In recent weeks, a noticeable surge in cases of RS virus has been observed. While adults can make a full recovery within a few days, taking the necessary precautions, the virus takes a toll on vulnerable groups like infants and younger children. Pregnant women are also susceptible to this virus, and timely treatment is crucial to prevent severe implications in newborns. The virus spreads rapidly through close contact with an infected person, primarily via respiratory droplets released when they cough or sneeze.
Common symptoms of RS virus
The most common symptoms of RS virus are nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, loss of appetite and wheezing. These symptoms often appear in stages, not all at once. In young infants, the symptoms may be subtle, including lethargy, irritability and noisy breathing. Most people with RS virus infections recover within a week or two, but in some cases they can be life-threatening, especially for young infants and older people.
More serious symptoms are rapid or laboured breathing, bluish skin, dehydration and apnea (cessation of breathing). In pregnant women, RS virus typically presents common symptoms such as a runny nose and cough, but it can have serious implications for the unborn baby if not properly managed.
Actions by the RIVM
The RIVM is actively ensuring that healthcare providers are alerted to the spread of RS virus, enabling them to undertake proactive measures to prevent infection as much as possible and deliver appropriate care for individuals affected by the virus. Parents are urged to closely monitor their young children for any symptoms and promptly consult the GP if their baby exhibits signs of illness or develops a fever.
Tips for prevention
The RS virus enters the human body through the nose, eyes or mouth after exposure to contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets. Since it is highly contagious and spreads rapidly, it is advised to take the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with people who exhibit flu-like symptoms, especially when you are pregnant.
- To minimize the risk of infection, avoid exposing your baby to individuals who are coughing or have a runny nose.
- Visit newborn babies only when you are free from any virus symptoms.
- If you are immunocompromised, use a face mask in busy places to avoid getting in contact with the virus.
- Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after coming in contact with an infected person.
- Avoid touching or using contaminated objects such as bottles, cups or toys to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
Treatment for RS virus
A vaccination against RS virus can help protect babies from contracting it. The Dutch health authorities are planning to offer the vaccine for free to all infants starting in the year 2025, in order to reduce hospitalizations. Pregnant women can also be protected against this virus by a vaccine that can pass on immunity to their babies; your midwife can advise you about this. There is no specific treatment available for the virus. However, to treat mild infections, proper rest, enough fluid intake, and doctor-prescribed medicines are recommended. For severe cases, especially for high-risk patients such as infants, younger children or immunocompromised people, hospitalization may be required.
Written by Parul Sachdeva