RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, which is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the respiratory tract and lungs. Is it dangerous?
Dr. Helmut Gosal (MBBS, FRACGP) is a General Practitioner/GP from Indonesia who currently practices in Sydney, Australia.
He explained to SBS Indonesia that RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a virus that attacks the respiratory tract and is very easily transmitted through the inhalation of saliva splashes when the patient coughs or sneezes, as well as through direct contact such as touching the surface of contaminated objects and then holding the face.
Early symptoms of this infection are usually similar to the common cold, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and mild fever, but can develop into severe shortness of breath in infants and the elderly.
Until now there has been no specific drug to cure RSV because mild infections generally resolve on their own within one to two weeks, so treatment focuses only on relieving symptoms through rest, fluid replenishment, and heat-lowering drugs.
Nevertheless, prevention can now be done using a special RSV vaccine for the elderly and pregnant women, additional antibodies for newborns, as well as the implementation of a clean lifestyle such as regular hand washing and keeping distance from sick people.
Disclaimer: The information presented on this site is for educational and general informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
Always consult a qualified professional to get a solution to your specific problem.
Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3pm.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and don't miss our podcasts.
