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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (See Also: Bronchiolitis), Pediatric

Marie E. Wang, MD, MPH and Alan R. Schroeder, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • An enveloped, nonsegmented RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae and in the subfamily Pneumovirinae along with human metapneumovirus. There are two subgroups, A and B, differentiat...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Initial symptoms include copious nasal discharge, cough, and fever.

  • Cough is the most common symptom typically progressing over 1 to 2 days.

  • Concerning findings on history:

    • Apnea, severe...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Supportive care: hydration therapy and supplemental oxygen as needed if oxygen saturation persistently falls <90%

  • Cardiorespiratory monitoring and pulse oximetry should be ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Lower respiratory tract symptoms usually arise 2 to 3 days after initial symptoms.

  • Symptoms usually peak from 5 to 7 days, but 20% of children can have symptoms fo...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Respiratory syncytial virus. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA et al, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 30th e...

CODES

ICD9

  • 079.6 Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

  • 466.11 Acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

ICD10

  • B97.4 Respiratory syncytial virus causing diseases classd elswhr

  • J21.0 Acute bro...

FAQ

  • Q: How did my child get this illness?

  • A: RSV bronchiolitis is caused by RSV, an extremely common virus which is passed from one person to another by contact with nasal secretions and through airbor...

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