Respiratory Syncytial Virus is usually a topic discussed in autumn and spring. However, we want you to be prepared.
Thus, this summer, FLASS will prepare you early for this virus. You have all heard about colds, flu, viruses, and Covid-19. However, you are probably less familiar with RSV, also called Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
An Introduction to Respiratory Syncytial Virus
At First, Symptoms Might Feel Like The Beginning of a Bad Cold or Flu. However, the Virus Can Intensify Quickly. Don’t Be Shy About Calling Your Doctor.
Summer does not last forever. Shortly after school starts and the weather begins to cool, you or someone in your family might experience this respiratory virus.
We also want you to know that it can now strike in the summer. According to Mayo Clinic, “RSV cases in most regions of the US have historically risen during the fall (from mid-September to mid-November).” Then, it “peaks in the winter (from late December to mid-February).
Additionally, they added, “However, in 2021, RSV cases began to rise in the southern region of the US in the spring months and peaked in July.”
Wake Up to see the Threat of RSV in 2023
A Deep Dive Into Facts and Symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
This virus is especially concerning for you if you are over 60 years old. Ironically, it also attacks young babies. This disease can be mild or genuinely concerning.
And if you have other chronic conditions, it can threaten your life or well-being. Put simply, “RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms in children and adults.”
Let’s check out the symptoms of RSV. At the beginning of RSV, you will be coping with the symptoms in the list below.
- Nasal Congestion and Sneezing,
- A Sore throat and a dry cough.
- Additionally, you will probably notice Low-grade fever and perhaps a headache.
Yes, it sounds and feels a great deal like a cold at the beginning of the infection. However, as the disease progresses, you might contract the more intense list below.
The More Serious Side of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Difficult breathing and a lack of thirst might overtake you.
- Likewise, you would have little interest in an activity. Fatigue would overwhelm you.
- You might experience nasal flaring, the result of struggling to breathe through the nose. Very Severe RSV Symptoms
- In severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus, your fingernails and lips might turn blue in color.
- Your cough becomes stronger, and it might sound like a dog’s bark or a deep wheeze. With any of these symptoms, be sure to call your doctor or your pulmonologist at FLASS.
Three Basic Facts about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
1. We are sending out a special warning for adults over 60. Likewise, adults with any type of chronic condition should be warned.
For example, if you have asthma or heart failure you are in a high-risk category with this virus. Likewise, Respiratory Syncytial Virus can cause serious complications like pneumonia.
2. FLASS reiterates that adults with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems should realize they are at high risk for getting severe RSV.
3. You might be surprised to learn that having Respiratory Syncytial Virus brings you no immunity. The sad truth is that you can catch it many times over.
Big News About RSV Vaccine
Big, New Development in The History of RSV: First Approved Vaccine
On May 3 of this year, the FDA approved the first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It’s a big step for the prevention of RSV. Arexvy is the name of this special newly approved vaccine.
According to the CDC, “Arexvy is approved for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older. ”
Remember it is currently and specifically allowed only for patients who have reached 60 years old or older. Also, the availability of the vaccine might be affected by a patient’s location or the season of the year.
The Official Word from the CDC
On May 3, 2023Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research stated, “Older adults, in particular those with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems, are at high risk for severe disease caused by RSV.”
Then he added that this approval of the first vaccine for RSV “…is an important public health achievement to prevent a disease which can be life-threatening.” He concluded by explaining that the accomplishment reflected “The FDA’s continued commitment to facilitating the development of safe and effective vaccines for use in the United States.”
Terrific Take-Aways from Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Facts and Fears
Keep in mind that FLASS does not publish this RSV information to encourage anxiety and fear. However, we do want you to know the facts.
1. As we have stated, we want you to know that RSV often leads to LRTD Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in people 60 years old and older.
2. Once this occurs, the complications often include life-threatening pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
3. Shockingly, “RSV leads to approximately 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths among adults 65 years of age and older.”
Special Message from FLASS
Knowing the Facts Behind RSV Can Lessen Your Fears of Hospitalization And Complications From the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
If you or someone you love is over 60 years of age, or under a year old, be sure you catch the next FLASS blog. See it for more details about RSV.
Also, discover the research testing that guided the recent decision of the CDC to endorse it as a preventative measure for people over 60 and those having high-risk chronic conditions. No big fears…just big facts.