In healthy adults and older children, it is usually a mild respiratory illness. Although studies have shown that people produce antibody against the virus, infections continue to occur in people of all ages. Following these newscasts is important when winter epidemics fill the hospitals with infants suffering from RSV induced bronchiolitis. Symptoms are variable and differ with age. Infants less than one year old are most severely affected and often have the most trouble breathing .
Mild infections resolve without treatment.
A severe infection in infants and children may require hospitalization to provide supplemental oxygen, humidified air, and hydration by intravenous fluids. Aerosol ribavirin, an antiviral medication, may be administered to infants. Ribavirin is most effective if given within the first 48 hours following onset of symptoms. Ribavirin is not used in older children. It is important to remember that in children less than nine months RSV bronchiolitis can be life threatening.