Respiratory Syncytial Virus, more commonly known as RSV, is an infectious and highly contagious respiratory virus that attacks individuals over 55. RSV infection can range from cold-like illness to serious respiratory disease. Each year, RSV causes hospitalizations and deaths among these older adults.
The elderly are especially susceptible to RSV for a range of reasons. From the start of life, there is an inevitable decline in lung function and immune system function as age increases. As these individuals age, they experience a decline in physical fitness and an increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Due to this, it is vital to arm oneself with reliable information regarding RSV. This article is a comprehensive guide, offering insight into its causes, symptoms, and treatments. No matter your personal risk or desire for greater knowledge, this guide should give you valuable insight into RSV.
Causes of RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, more commonly known as RSV, is an infectious virus that spreads easily between people. This often happens through respiratory droplets released when someone carrying the virus coughs or sneezes. You could even contract RSV by touching surfaces contaminated by it and touching your face afterward or breathing in inhaled droplets directly.
Infants, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly are at increased risk for RSV infection due to weak immune systems that cannot protect against it effectively.
Elderly individuals face specific risk factors that increase their likelihood of RSV infection, including living in congested environments and having chronic heart or lung conditions. Additionally, immune-compromised individuals have an increased chance due to illness or medication.
RSV can have a devastating impact on our respiratory systems. It causes inflammation in the small airways of the lungs, leading to breathing difficulty. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia. Therefore, understanding and prevention are vital, particularly among our elderly population.
Signs and Symptoms of RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) symptoms may resemble those associated with the common cold or influenza. Below are the most frequently associated signs and symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
It is important to remember that symptoms may become more pronounced for older adults over 65, particularly if symptoms arise later in the illness. This age group may experience the following:
- Severe coughing
- Shortness of breath
- High fever
- Wheezing or difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
RSV in older adults can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia. Therefore, any symptoms must become severe, persist for more than seven days, or breathing becomes difficult before seeking medical advice. For anyone in a higher-risk group, any sign or symptoms should prompt immediate consultation with their healthcare provider. Better safe than sorry regarding your health. Earlier diagnosis results in quicker treatment.
Treating RSV
Treating Respiratory Syncytial Virus involves managing symptoms and supporting the body's immune response. Over-the-counter medicines can provide temporary relief from symptoms like fever and runny nose. More serious cases may require hospitalization for additional oxygen treatment or mechanical ventilation.
Medical professionals play an invaluable role in diagnosing and managing RSV. They'll assess your symptoms and health history before suggesting tests like nasal swabbing to confirm it or, in extreme cases, recommend antiviral medication as treatment. Preventative measures must be implemented to lower the risk of RSV infection as follows:
- Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can be one of the best ways to protect against RSV.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals. This includes not sharing utensils, cups, or personal belongings that might contain RSV spores.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces. Germs can easily remain on doorknobs, countertops, and other common surfaces that people frequently touch. So, make sure that you clean and disinfect these frequently used items often.
- Adopting healthy practices such as eating healthfully, engaging in regular physical activity, and resting enough can significantly bolster your immune system and lower your susceptibility to infections such as RSV.
- Get immunized, as annual flu shots can help protect you against other respiratory infections that might compromise your immune system and weaken its resilience.
Conclusion
We've covered all of the essential information about RSV in this guide. This virus spreads easily and can seriously compromise respiratory systems, particularly that of elderly adults such as yourself. Educating yourself on symptoms will assist in early detection and speedy treatment if RSV is suspected. Do not ignore persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or fatigue, as these could be telltale signs. Seek medical assistance immediately if this applies to you.
The articles on this website should not be used to start the use of dietary supplements or vitamins, natural or herbal products, homeopathic medicine or other mentioned products prior to a proper consultation with a doctor or certified health provider.
