Week 6 - Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Question 1

What are animals are sources of RSV?

Answer 1

Humans are the only known source of RSV

Question 2

What are the main forms of RSV transmission?

Answer 2

• Large particle droplet
• Contact with infectious secretions contaminating surfaces followed by self-inoculation

Question 3

What are some risk factors for severe RSV in children?

Answer 3

• Age (<6months)
• Prematurity
• Chronic lung disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Immunosuppression
  -Neuromuscular disorders

Question 4

What are some risk factors for severe RSV in adults?

Answer 4

Older age, chronic heart and lung disease, immunosuppression

Question 5

During a typical year, when is the peak of RSV activity?

Answer 5

December- February

Question 6

Which racial/ethnic group is at greater risk for RSV hospitalization/severe outcome?

Answer 6

American Indian/Alaska Native

Question 7

For adults <65 years of age, how do they usually present with an RSV infection?

Answer 7

Mild or no symptoms

Question 8

What is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants?

Answer 8

RSV

Question 9

True or False: RSV in infant nasal secretions remains infectious on countertops for ~1 and on cloth and paper tissue for ~10 minutes.

Answer 9

False: RSV in nasal secretions remains infectious on countertops for ~6 hours and on cloth and paper tissue for ~30 minutes

Question 10

What is the incubation period of RSV?

Answer 10

2-8 days (usually 4-6)

Question 11

How long does the average person shed RSV?

Answer 11

3-8 days (3-4 weeks in young infants and the immunocompromised)

Question 12

How common is reinfection with RSV?

Answer 12

RSV reinfection is common throughout life, subsequent childhood infections are generally milder; wide spectrum of adult disease

Question 13

By what age have most children had their first RSV infection?

Answer 13

~70% by age 1 and nearly all by age 2