By Lauren Wise, TCC PharmD
Last month, we discussed Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. In case you missed the last edition, RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and can potentially be very dangerous in more vulnerable populations, such as the very young or elderly. RSV spreads in the fall and winter seasons through infected people coughing or sneezing and by touching contaminated surfaces. Most people usually are not greatly affected by RSV, but for some it can be very severe or life-threatening. It is estimated that between 60,000 and 160,000 older adults are hospitalized for RSV in the United States every year. Of those people, 6,000 to 10,000 people die from the RSV infection.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC recommends that all adults older than 75 years old should be vaccinated for RSV. Additionally, people who are at an increased risk of contracting RSV can receive the vaccination earlier at the age of 60 years old. Reasons that someone would be at an increased risk include a history of chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, severe diabetes, or obesity. People who are over the age of 60 who reside in a nursing home or long-term care facility may also qualify for an early vaccine. These health and environmental concerns, as well as an advanced age, can make RSV easier to contract and more dangerous to your health.
More About the RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine is a one-dose vaccine that everyone should receive at an older age. This means that you only need to receive the vaccine one time in your life; it does not need to be repeated each year. Eligible elders can receive the RSV vaccine at any time, but before RSV season would be ideal to avoid potential infection.
How Do I Know if I Have RSV?
People who have RSV normally begin to show symptoms 4 to 6 days after becoming infected. Symptoms are similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and a fever. If you do suspect you are sick, stay home and recover. Try to prevent spreading the virus to others. You can manage the fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. If symptoms become worse or you are concerned about your health, contact or visit your healthcare provider.
Please reach out to your healthcare provider for more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Check Out These Resources for More Information
- American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv/learn-about-rsv
- CDC – RSV Infection: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/rsv/