Prevention and treatment of respiratory virus infections in children

As children grow up, they are often affected by various viruses, among which the Respiratory Syntial Virus is a more common pathogen. Knowledge of the prevention and treatment of RSV infections is essential for parents and health-care providers.

I. What is the respiratory fusion virus?

Respiratory hysteria virus is a RNA virus that causes mainly respiratory infections. It can be infected by all age groups, but it is particularly harmful to infants, children and the elderly. RSV infections usually occur at the end of autumn, winter and early spring festivals, with a certain seasonality.

II. What are the symptoms of the infection?

The symptoms vary when children are infected with RSV. Minor infections may be manifested only in common flu symptoms such as snot, cough and sneeze. However, for infants and less immune children, there may be more serious symptoms, such as:

1. Heat: Body temperature can be as high as 38°C-39°C or higher.

Cough: frequent cough, sometimes accompanied by breathing.

3. Respiratory rush: Respiration frequency is significantly increased and even breathing difficulties occur.

Breathing: Breathing can be heard as a result of narrow airways.

5. Declining appetite: Children may suffer from reduced appetites, food denial, etc. due to physical discomfort.

6. Disturbing: Children may behave in a state of discomfort and crying.

III. What are the pathways for transmission of the infection?

1. Flying: When infected people cough and sneeze, the virus is transmitted in the form of foam to the people around them.

2. Exposure to transmission: Exposure to virus-contaminated objects such as toys, utensils, towels, etc., and then touching one ‘ s eyes, nose or mouth can also lead to infection.

IV. How to prevent RSV infection?

1. Maintaining good hygiene practices

• Hand-washing: to teach children to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after meals and after exposure to public goods. Wash your hands carefully and ensure that all parts of your hands are washed.

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth: reduce the chances of the virus entering the body.

Cough and sneeze: Teach children to cover their mouths and noses with paper towels when they cough or sneeze, and then throw them into the trash can. In the absence of paper towels, the inside side of the elbow can be used to shield the nose and mouth.

2. Keeping the environment clean

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of the home environment: regular cleaning and disinfection of items, such as toys, utensils, bedding, etc., that children are exposed to. Chlorinated disinfectants or high-temperature disinfectants can be used.

• Maintaining indoor air flow: frequent window ventilation and keeping indoor air fresh. When weather permits, children are allowed to move more outdoors and to breathe fresh air.

Avoiding exposure to infected persons

• Avoid taking children to densely populated, air-traffic sites such as malls, supermarkets, cinemas, etc. If you have to go, wear a mask.

• Avoid contact with children, in particular close contact, such as kissing, hugging, etc., if the family or the surrounding person has cold or cough symptoms.

4. Increased immunization of children

• A balanced diet: to ensure that children are fed enough to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole-grain foods, good-quality proteins, etc., and to avoid food selection and preference.

• Sufficient sleep: to ensure that the child has sufficient sleep time to facilitate physical recovery and increased immunity.

• Appropriate exercise: the choice of appropriate sports, such as walking, running, swimming, etc., in accordance with the child’s age and physical condition, enhances the child’s health.

V. What are the treatments for infections?

1. General treatment

• Rest: more rest for the child, less activity, and better physical recovery.

• Diet: To ensure that children receive sufficient moisture and nutrition to avoid dehydration and malnutrition. If the child is hungry, a small amount of food can be provided.

• Respiratory flow: children with cough and asthma symptoms can be helped to excrete their respiratory tracts and keep their respiratory tracts open, by means of back patting, snorting, etc.

2. Drug treatment

• Anti-viral drugs: there is no specific anti-viral drug available to treat RSV infections. Some drugs are under study but have not yet been widely applied in clinical settings.

• Medicines for the treatment of illness: Depending on the child’s symptoms, a combination of acne, cough and asthma can be used. However, care must be taken to use methods and doses to avoid drug abuse.

3. Support for treatment

Oxygen treatment: Oxygen treatment may be required to improve haematological saturation for children with respiratory difficulties and aerobic deficiencies.

• Respiratory support: For children in serious condition, respiratory support equipment, such as a breathing machine, may be required to help them to breathe.

In short, the transmission of the respiratory virus in children is a common disease, but if we have the right methods of combating it, we can effectively reduce the incidence of infection and the risk of disease. Parents and health-care providers are required to monitor the child ‘ s health and, if the child is found to have symptoms of infection, to seek medical treatment in a timely manner and to take effective treatment measures. At the same time, prevention efforts must be strengthened to increase the child ‘ s immunity and to create a favourable environment for the healthy development of the child.