Consider the following statements regarding Respiratory Syncytial Viru...
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first vaccine that protects newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
About Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
- It is a common respiratory virus.
- RSV is one of the most frequent causes of childhood illness.
- It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
- Premature infants, babies younger than 6 months old, people above age 65 and people who have a compromised immune system, chronic lung disease or congenital heart condition can get a more severe case of RSV.
- A severe infection leads to pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
- Transmission: RSV spreads from person to person through:
- The air by coughing and sneezing;
- Direct contact, such as kissing the face of a child who has RSV;
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands;
- People who have an RSV infection are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. But sometimes infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus for as long as 4 weeks.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of RSV infection usually start about 4 to 6 days after infection. They include
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- RSV can also cause more severe infections, especially in people at high risk. These infections include bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Respiratory Syncytial Viru...
Statement 1: Its severe infection leads to pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The first statement is correct. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. In most healthy individuals, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in severe cases, particularly in infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, RSV infection can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. It can lead to symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Bronchiolitis, on the other hand, is an infection that causes inflammation in the small airways of the lungs, known as bronchioles. It leads to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Severe RSV infection can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, especially those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions. It can cause more severe respiratory symptoms and may require hospitalization.
Statement 2: It is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.
The second statement is incorrect. RSV is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. It is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose.
RSV is most commonly seen during the fall, winter, and early spring months. It is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children and can lead to outbreaks in childcare settings, schools, and households.
To prevent the spread of RSV, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick with respiratory infections.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option A, as the first statement is correct while the second statement is incorrect. RSV can cause severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and it is highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person.
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