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discussion reply 250 words SINGLE SPACED 2 apa citationto this post Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory illness that affects individuals of all ages, but it is especially dangerous for infants and the elderly (Mohapatra & Boyapalle, 2008). The common agent for RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). The virus is highly contagious and is spread through respiratory secretions such as saliva, nasal secretions, and aerosolized droplets. The reservoir for RSV is primarily humans, and the virus is most commonly spread through close contact with an infected individual (CDC, 2023a). The portal of exit for RSV is the respiratory tract, as the virus is expelled through coughing, sneezing, and talking. Means of transmission for RSV include direct contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, as well as close proximity with an infected individual. The portal of entry for RSV is through the nose, mouth, or eyes, where the virus enters the respiratory tract and begins to replicate (CDC, 2023b). Once inside the body, the virus targets the cells of the respiratory epithelium, leading to inflammation and the characteristic symptoms of RSV infection. The host for RSV is any individual who comes into contact with the virus, but infants and the elderly are more susceptible to severe complications from the virus.
