RSV Infection
Alternate Names : Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
How is the infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with the history and physical exam. This may be all that is
needed to make the diagnosis. Given the common symptoms, RSV is likely if the
child is younger than 1 year, if it is winter, and if there is a current
outbreak of RSV in the community. A chest
X-ray may help with the diagnosis and rule out other causes for the
symptoms.
If needed, a special test called an
immune assay can be done on nose or lung secretions to detect RSV. This
is commonly done when children are admitted to a hospital so that outbreaks
within the hospital can be limited.
|