RSV, Huh? That’s for Kids, right?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV has been a common respiratory virus. I am bringing this to your attention because we have seen a LARGE outbreak this year of RSV in both children and ADULTS! Most of the time it is a mild respiratory virus for the small sacs in the lungs but sometimes it can be serious. Recently, I have heard of adults being on the ventilator from RSV and children under 1 can develop pneumonia from it.
Symptoms of RSV usually start within 4-6 days of being infected. They are usually mild, only last a couple of weeks, and will go away on their own. Almost all kids have had an RSV infection by their 2nd birthday. Symptoms include, runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, coughing, fever, and wheezing-particularly in children. Treatment for RSV includes, OTC pain and fever relievers such as Tylenol and advil (Motrin), drink plenty of fluids, and call your doctor if you get worse or have trouble breathing.
People that develop difficulty breathing, adults and children, need to be assessed by a doctor or go to the ER. Most people will only require 3-4 days of hospital treatment before they can go home. This is usually oxygen, IV fluids, breathing treatments or ventilator support as needed.
RSV is transmitted by droplets (when you sneeze or cough) or direct contact with the virus, hugging, kissing or direct contact with infected items such as door knobs, counter tops, etc. People can be contagious for 3-8 days and children can continue to spread RSV for up to 4 weeks after having RSV—DO NOT KISS BABIES AND INFANTS!
Usually, we don’t talk about RSV but with all the masks in the last few years, our immunity has gone down for RSV and cases locally and nationally are EXPLODING! I have seen RSV in the clinic and heard of patients both adult and children admitted for it.
So wash your hands, avoid kissing babies and be RSV wise!
Sources:https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html
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