RSV, the “respiratory syncytial virus”, is the virus at the origin of a very common respiratory infection in infants; however, it can occur at any age.
How is an RSV infection diagnosed?
A clinical diagnosis is usually sufficient. In the infant, the doctor observes the symptoms, listens to the lungs to detect any wheezing and examines the colour of the skin.
Nose and throat swabs
It may be necessary to take a sample of the nose and throat secretions for laboratory analysis to identify the virus involved.
Blood tests
Used less and less, blood tests can help to establish a diagnosis and eliminate the possibility of other infections.
X-ray
If the doctor suspects pneumonia he/she may prescribe lung x-rays.