How to distinguish RSV from the flu and COVID-19? Expert explains

The expert explained in an interview with PAP that the RSV virus belongs to the paramyxovirus family. As with other respiratory viruses, infection occurs through airborne droplets through close contact with an infected person. RSV has an incubation period of 2 to 8 days.

How to recognize RSV?

“RSV is actually the most dangerous pathogen for the youngest children, that is, up to a year old, and especially for newborns and premature babies, because it affects the lower respiratory tract and causes pneumonia, which is a very serious illness in children. Some researchers even say that if a newborn becomes ill with RSV pneumonia, then later on his respiratory system is more susceptible to infection by various other respiratory viruses,” said Prof. Schuster-Cizelska.

When asked how to distinguish RSV infection from SARS-CoV-2 or the flu, she stressed that they all cause very similar symptoms at the onset of infection: cough, fever, runny nose, muscle pain. “Without testing, it is impossible to distinguish RSV from other viruses due to similar symptoms,” the virologist emphasized.

Free antigen tests at family doctors

She recalled that from January, free antigen tests will be available to patients from family doctors, which can quickly determine which specific virus we are dealing with. “I urge everyone who suspects the flu or another infection not to delay contacting a doctor who will auscultate the bronchi and lungs,” the professor added.

Speaking of RSV, she pointed out that adults are also affected by the virus, with older people being particularly vulnerable to more severe illness due to weaker immune systems than younger people. “So far, no RSV vaccine has been developed, despite the fact that research has been going on for several decades. There were attempts to introduce a vaccine, but, unfortunately, this drug was not effective, on the contrary, it aggravated the symptoms of the disease, so these studies were quickly stopped,” the virologist recalled.

She said that Moderna is currently conducting clinical trials of an RSV vaccine based on mRNA technology, that is, the same as in the case of COVID-19.

How to treat RSV?

prof. Schuster-Ciesielska pointed out that there are no antiviral drugs for RSV, and the treatment of patients is based on symptomatic treatment. “However, there are immunological preparations in the form of monoclonal antibodies, which are also given free of charge to premature babies in Poland. This means that antibodies, in the event of infection, bind to the virus and neutralize it. These drugs last up to one month, so during the season they need to be administered to children at risk every 28-30 days,” the virologist said, adding that at the moment this is the only way to protect children from RSV.

Referring to the current influenza situation, she recalled that in addition to influenza, we are currently dealing with many other respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, parainfluenza viruses, metapneumoviruses, adenoviruses and RSV. “During the autumn-winter season, many more viruses attack our respiratory tract. Of course, on the one hand, this is affected by a lower ambient temperature and lower humidity, so that viruses can survive longer in the environment. On the other hand, our immunity after the holidays is experiencing some crisis at lower temperatures, which is also facilitated by a lower temperature inside the nose, for example, if it is 4 degrees Celsius outside, then 32 degrees C in the nose, which weakens the defense mechanisms. Then the virus will be able to multiply more efficiently,” the expert explained.

She pointed out that exposure to heated rooms also contributes to infection, which excessively dry out mucous membranes, weakening local defenses. Referring to media reports that viruses are attacking our body more strongly this infectious season due to the fact that it has “weaned” from viruses during the two years of isolation caused by the coronavirus, she replied that she did not agree with this statement.

“We didn’t have a two-year isolation – the quarantine lasted the first half of 2020. Then there were restrictions, such as masks, but for short periods of time, and they were mostly not enforced or enforced. In addition, there is no concept that the immune system gets used to viruses, it is always ready to fight,” said the professor.

She added that the increase in infections this season could be mainly due to the lack of vaccination. “Last year, when flu shots were free, 7 percent of the population of Poland were vaccinated, and this year only 3 percent. This is a catastrophically low result, because, for example, in New Zealand, as many as 80 percent of the population are vaccinated. It is not surprising that this virus is spreading so quickly,” said Prof. Schuster-Ciesielska.