RSV is the most common cause of respiratory hospitalisation in infants, and reinfection remains common in later life. Infection rates are higher during the winter, causing bronchiolitis in infants, common colds in adults and more serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia in the elderly and immunocompromised.
RSV is spread through contaminated air droplets and can cause outbreaks in the community and in hospital settings. Following initial infection via the eyes or nose, the virus will infect the epithelial cells of the upper and lower airway, causing inflammation, cell damage and airway obstruction. A variety of methods are available for viral detection and diagnosis of RSV, including antigen testing, molecular testing, and viral culture.
Treatment for severe illness is primarily supportive, including oxygen therapy and more advanced breathing support with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or nasal high flow oxygen.
In cases of severe respiratory failure, intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required. There are limited antiviral medication currently licensed for the treatment of RSV in children, although its use remains controversial.