Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children is no longer confined to the colder months, with cases now reported throughout the year.
Older children, whose infections may be mild and resemble a common runny nose, are often the source of infection for infants. Svetlana Rychkova, Doctor of Medical Sciences and head of the Department for the Organisation of Paediatric Medical Care at the National Medical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases of Russia’s Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) in St Petersburg, said this at an international paediatrics congress in Tashkent.
“We are seeing RSV infection present all the time, throughout the year. The main group affected is children aged from birth to two years, but adolescents also account for a notable proportion of cases. In adolescents, RSV infection can resemble a mild runny nose. However, when they return home after spending time at school and in other social groups, they may transmit the virus to their younger brothers and sisters, leading to severe cases,” the expert explained.
According to World Health Organisation data cited by Rychkova, RSV causes around 33 million cases of acute lower respiratory tract infections among children under five every year. More than 3.5 million cases require hospitalisation, and over 100,000 result in death. Around half of these deaths occur among infants under six months of age.
The disease may initially present with symptoms of a common cold, such as rhinopharyngitis, but can subsequently develop into bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In some cases, the infection is also accompanied by otitis media.
“This is why, when RSV infection is suspected or confirmed, a child’s condition can deteriorate and become severe or extremely severe within just a few days,” Rychkova warned.
The infection poses a particular risk to infants under one year of age and premature babies. According to the expert, mortality rates in these groups can be up to 15 times higher than among other groups of children. Severe illness can develop not only in infants with extremely low birth weight but also in children born at 33–35 weeks of pregnancy.
The effects of an RSV infection can also persist over time. Rychkova noted that children who contract the virus at an early age are more likely to experience other acute respiratory infections later.
According to the data cited by the expert, their risk of developing bronchial asthma may be three to 12 times higher than that of children who did not contract RSV during their first year of life.
The specialist also highlighted the importance of preventing infection. RSV can spread through contact, making personal hygiene measures, particularly regular handwashing, especially important when caring for infants.
“Personal hygiene and handwashing are particularly important when we begin caring for young children, especially those in their first year of life,” she stressed.
Passive immunisation is available for children at increased risk, particularly premature infants. Rychkova said it can be administered alongside routine vaccinations.
Experts emphasise that early detection, preventive measures and close monitoring of infants can help reduce the risk of severe illness.
