Doctors Warn! Severe RSV Outbreak During Rainy Season – No Vaccine Available Yet, Urges Frequent Handwashing and Symptom Monitoring

The Department of Medical Services warns of the spread of the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), which can infect both children and adults. The virus tends to spread during the rainy season, and currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent it. Parents are advised to closely monitor their children for symptoms.

On July 1, 2024, Dr. Pairoj Surattanawanich, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, explained that RSV is a virus that causes respiratory tract infections in both children and adults, often peaking during the rainy season.

RSV enters the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth via droplets from coughing or sneezing of infected individuals. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, where the virus can survive for several hours and on hands for up to 30 minutes. Parents should encourage frequent handwashing among children.

Common symptoms of RSV infection
Symptoms often resemble those of a common cold: runny nose, cough, sneezing, and fever. However, in young children under one year of age, premature infants, or children with chronic lung disease, heart disease, or weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe, causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Symptoms may include high fever, phlegmy cough, rapid breathing with chest retraction, difficulty breathing, wheezing, lethargy, and bluish skin.

In some cases, excessive coughing may cause vomiting, and the child may struggle to eat. Parents should closely monitor these symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen.

Dr. Akkaratharn Chittanuyanon, Assistant Director-General of the Department of Medical Services and Director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, emphasized that infants under six months of age are at higher risk of severe symptoms due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Children with underlying health conditions like congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, or compromised immunity are also at greater risk. Thailand currently lacks specific treatment for RSV.

Treatment is symptomatic, with severe cases requiring intravenous fluids or hospitalization for oxygen support. At present, no vaccine exists to prevent RSV infection.

Preventive measures for parents include maintaining overall health, frequent handwashing, isolating RSV patients to prevent transmission, and regularly cleaning the home. Wearing masks in crowded or public places, using saline solution to clean nasal passages, staying hydrated, exercising, and getting enough rest are also recommended.

Source: Thai Health