RSV is a respiratory illness that can cause cold-like symptoms or, sometimes, serious illness. RSV stands for respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, the germ that makes you sick with RSV. The illness can affect anyone from infancy to old age and can be reoccurring. In infancy RSV may cause severe illness, but later in life it may only cause cold-like symptoms. The body builds up partial immunity at each instance of RSV, however your body will never build a full immunity. RSV infections are most common from late fall through early spring, typically peaking in December and January.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may be mild and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, wheezing in infants, difficulty breathing, cough, stuffy or runny nose, listlessness, irritability, poor appetite and apnea (long pauses in breathing). Older Adults with a serious RSV infection should specifically watch for a severe cough, wheezing, rapid or difficult breathing, and bluish skin due to lack of oxygen. In Infants, symptoms of severe RSV infection include rapid or difficult breathing with skin and chest muscles pulling inward during each breath, coughing, difficulty feeding, excessive tiredness, and irritability.
WHO SHOULD GET RSV VACCINE?
A vaccine that helps protect against RSV is available, according to the California Department of Public Health, and recommended for older adults, pregnant people and young children. Adults 75 and older — as well as adults 50 and older with health conditions, such as diabetes and cancer, that raise their risk of severe illness — are encouraged to get vaccinated. For people who are pregnant, the CDPH recommends getting the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Infants need protection from either the prenatal RSV vaccine or infant immunization.
TREATMENT
There’s no specific treatment for RSV, but the symptoms can be treated. If you or your child has severe RSV, a hospital stay may be necessary to recover. Oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and a ventilator can help. Antibiotics don’t treat RSV since it’s a virus.
HOW TO MINIMIZE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING RSV
Get vaccinated, stay home to lower risk of infection, wear a mask in crowded spaces, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your cough or sneeze.
Learn more about RSV and How to Stay Healthy
from the California Department of Public Health.