Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious yet common respiratory virus. In healthy adults and older children it causes mild, cold like symptoms which improve in a week or two. However, in infants, toddlers and older adults it can cause more severe symptoms leading to hospitalisation. RSV initially manifests as an upper respiratory tract illness which occasionally progresses to the lower respiratory tract, resulting in conditions such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
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Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process
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Clinical Presentation
Upper respiratory tract:
- Rhinorrhea
- Nasal congestion,
- Cough,
- Sneeze
- Fever
- Myalgia
Lower respiratory tract involvement
rhonchorous breath sounds, tachypnea, accessory muscle use, wheezes, and prolonged expiration
Diagnostic Procedures
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Outcome Measures
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Management / Interventions
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Differential Diagnosis
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Resources
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