Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Alternative names:

RSV

Symptoms:

• nasal congestion
• nasal flaring
• cough
• rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• breathing difficulty or labored breathing
• shortness of breath
• cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin caused by lack of oxygen)
• wheezing
• fever
• croupy cough (often described as a "seal bark" cough)

Note: Symptoms are variable and differ with age. Infants less than one year old are most severely affected and often have the most trouble breathing.

Signs and tests:

Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) may reveal wheezes or other abnormal lung sounds.

Tests used in the diagnosis of RSV include:

• a chest X-ray (may show pneumonia or bronchiolitis)
• a serology for RSV (positive for RSV)
• arterial blood gas analysis (demonstrates decreased oxygen saturation)