Frequently Asked Questions About RSV

Who is at high risk for severe RSV?

In most adults, the virus causes cold symptoms that are usually mild. However, RSV can be dangerous for certain people. groups at riskincluding:

• You drink
• People over 60 years
• Adults with chronic lung and kidney disease
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities

RSV can be especially dangerous in pregnant women because they can pass the virus to their baby and have a risk of RSV-related complicationssuch as pneumonia, sepsis and respiratory failure.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends receive a maternal RSV vaccine if you are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during the high-risk months of September through January. He high-risk months for RSV It may be different depending on where you live. Consult your OB-GYN for specific criteria.

What are the symptoms of RSV in adults?

RSV is often confused with a cold because the symptoms of RSV are similar. Symptoms of RSV include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Rhinorrhea
• Appetite changes
• Fatigue
• wheezing

What symptoms of RSV need immediate medical attention?

RSV symptoms usually peak between the third and fifth day of being sick. If someone with RSV has the following symptomsEmergency medical attention should be sought immediately:

• labored breathing
• fast breathing
• wheezing
• Growling
• Faster breathing rate
• Blue color on the skin, nails or lips.
• No interest in breastfeeding or bottle feeding (in infants or toddlers)

How is RSV transmitted?

Like many respiratory viruses, RSV is spread through droplets from the nose or mouth. Someone can become infected by being in close contact with a person infected with RSV or even by touching objects that have droplets with the virus on them.

RSV can also live on hard surfaces, such as doorknobs or tables, for hours, but it cannot survive as long on soft tissues, such as hands.

To help prevent the spread of the virus, you can take simple precautions, such as:

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs.
• Get vaccinated if you are eligible

How long does it take to get sick if you are exposed to RSV?

It usually takes two to eight days to download with RSV symptoms after exposure. And once someone is sick with RSV, it takes three to eight days for the virus to run its course.

How long is RSV contagious?

People who are actively sick with RSV are most contagious during the three to eight day period when they have symptoms, as well as one to two days before they show symptoms. However, some babies and people with weakened immune systems may continue spreading RSV for up to four weeks, even long after they have stopped having symptoms.

How is RSV treated?

Most cases of RSV can be treated by staying home and resting to let the virus run its course in about one to two weeks. Like other viruses, if complications do not develop, someone can treat RSV by resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

Symptoms such as fever and malaise can be treated with age-appropriate medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. Cool mist humidifiers and nasal saline spray can also be used for symptoms such as congestion and runny nose.

If you have trouble breathing or become severely dehydrated, you may need hospitalization. Most of the time, hospitalization is only necessary for a few days and may require treatment such as an IV to receive fluids and oxygen. In rare and severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be needed to control the person’s breathing.

What are serious health problems that can result from RSV?

RSV is dangerous for certain groups of older adults, especially adults with chronic health conditions or anyone living in an assisted care facility. RSV can also lead to other medical conditions such as worsening COPD and asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

How can you protect yourself and your family from RSV?

The first and foremost way you can help avoid spreading or becoming infected with RSV is to practice basic health strategies such as:

• handwashing
• Stay home when you or your children are sick
• Avoid large gatherings during RSV season
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines for your family

There are also specific protection and vaccination treatments against RSV available for certain groups of people. For example, some infants and toddlers are eligible for RSV Antibody Products that can help protect them from severe RSV. Pregnant women may be eligible to receive the maternal RSV vaccine, and adults age 60 and older may also be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Who should receive the vaccine to prevent RSV?

During pregnancy

The CDC recommends that pregnant people who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season (which varies depending on where you live) get vaccinated themselves to protect their baby when it is born, or that the baby receive an antibody shot monoclonal soon after birth. .

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy can help provide up to two weeks of protection to the baby after birth.

as adults

People over the age of 60 and those with underlying and chronic health conditions are eligible for one of two RSV vaccines for adults, RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) or RSVpreF (Abrysvo). Past RSV infections or vaccinations do not provide future immunity for adults or children, so if you are eligible, it is recommended to get vaccinated each RSV season.

It is important for anyone who lives with a high-risk condition or who lives with someone with a high-risk condition or who is pregnant to talk about their risk of getting RSV with their healthcare provider.