RS - Virus

Information & Vaccination

RS virus

The RS virus (or respiratory syncytial virus) (RSV) is a virus that has been on everyone's lips more and more in recent years. It is the most common cause of acute respiratory infections worldwide, especially in the fall and winter. The peak of the disease wave is usually in January and February. Children are particularly affected by the infection.

Infection

Transmission occurs from person to person (droplet infection) and rarely via objects and surfaces (smear infection). In general, the viruses are very contagious and have a high infection rate.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a dry cough, sneezing, a sore throat and a cold. Fever can also occur. Children often show faster breathing and breathing noises such as rattling and wheezing.  Newborns and babies or toddlers up to the age of 2 can be significantly more affected than older children. Especially when the lungs and lower respiratory tract are affected, some children may even need to be admitted to hospital. These children then require oxygen for support. Few fatal cases are known. In healthy adults, there are usually no or only mild symptoms. However, older and chronically ill people can also have more severe cases.

Treatment

Treatment consists of alleviating the symptoms. There is no causal therapy. On the one hand, sufficient fluid intake is necessary. Antipyretics or nasal sprays can be used. Sometimes medication is also necessary to widen the bronchial tubes (contentation) and, rarely, oxygen must be given.

General Information and Vaccination

To avoid infection, general hygiene measures can of course be observed (hand washing, sneezing into the elbow, surface disinfection, mask if necessary) and there is a vaccination with Nirsevimab.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) in Germany issued a new vaccination recommendation in June 2024, which is intended to protect young children in particular from severe courses of the disease. Nirsevimab is recommended for all newborns and infants regardless of possible risk factors in their 1st respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season.

Birth between April and September: Vaccination in the fall before the start of their 1st RSV season (at the paediatrician)

Birth between October and March: Vaccination soon after birth, ideally at the U2 examination (3rd-10th day of life) or at the pediatrician's office

Babies with a hospital stay after birth: vaccination before discharge (if this takes place in fall/winter)

Vaccination of pregnant women is also possible from the 30th week of pregnancy, but according to the latest studies it does not protect babies as effectively and for as long as vaccination of the baby itself. There is currently no STIKO recommendation on vaccination during pregnancy. Only the European Vaccination Commission has issued a recommendation.

More about Vaccinations can be found in our blogs about
Pertussis / Whooping Cough and Influenza for pregnant women and in the General Vaccination Update

Gravidamiga - Dr. Christine
This blog post has been prepared with the greatest possible care and does not claim to be correct, complete or up-to-date.“  Please see a doctor if in any doubt. Picture: Adobe Stock licensed.

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