Respiratory Syncytial Virus is an infection starts in the back of the nose and throat, where it replicates. It then moves to the small airways in the lungs, causing a lower respiratory tract infection within 1 to 3 days. If this happens, it results in swelling, more mucus, and eventual damage and healing of the cells lining the airways. This process leads to blockage of small airways, air trapping, and increased difficultly in breathing.

The time it takes for symptoms to appear varies from 2 to 8 days. The virus can be spread from 3 to 8 days, and in young infants; it might continue for up to 4 weeks.

In 2020, there were 94 cases of bronchiolitis in the PICU. The numbers increased to 239 cases in 2021 and further to 260 cases in 2022. In 2023, there has been a decline in cases, with 53 reported as of November.

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

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