According to the Centers for Disease Control, the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms similar to the cold. Most people recover within a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially in babies and older adults.
Wellstar pediatrician, Sivan Hines, M.D., addressed the main concerns of 11Alive viewers expressed about RSV.
Q - WHY DO DOCTORS DO NOT TEST?
A - Dr. Hines says that most doctors may not perform the RSV test initially because in most cases it does not change the way the patient is treated. She says the exceptions are children and elderly patients with other medical conditions or babies two months or younger.
Q - WHY IS IT SO CONTAGIOUS?
A: It is a virus, not a bacterial infection, so you can not use antibiotics to treat it. The RSV can also remain on your hands for hours, so it is important that you wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Wellstar pediatrician, Sivan Hines, M.D., addressed the main concerns of 11Alive viewers expressed about RSV.
Q - WHY DO DOCTORS DO NOT TEST?
A - Dr. Hines says that most doctors may not perform the RSV test initially because in most cases it does not change the way the patient is treated. She says the exceptions are children and elderly patients with other medical conditions or babies two months or younger.
Q - WHY IS IT SO CONTAGIOUS?
A: It is a virus, not a bacterial infection, so you can not use antibiotics to treat it. The RSV can also remain on your hands for hours, so it is important that you wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
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