RSV: The childhood virus that should be on every older adult’s radar
It may feel a bit like the common cold, but this respiratory illness can land some older adults in the hospital. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself this season.
When you think of respiratory illnesses, influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 probably come to mind. But there’s another virus that you should know about: respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. While it may not seem like a major threat, RSV can be especially dangerous to older adults.
“Historically, we thought of RSV as a virus that mainly affected young children,” says Lawrence L. Livornese, Jr., M.D., an infectious disease doctor with Delaware Valley Infectious Disease Associates, part of Main Line Health in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. However, advancements in testing have revealed that RSV also impacts a significant number of older adults, he says.
RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms. “The virus can cause minor respiratory symptoms like cough and congestion,” says Delana Wardlaw, M.D., a family medicine doctor associated with Fair Hill Community Physicians, part of Temple Health in Philadelphia. Other common symptoms of RSV include a runny nose, reduced appetite, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
In most cases, RSV might pass with just a few extra tissues and some fever-reducing medication, making it easy to mistake for a common cold.
However, RSV poses a greater health risk to certain groups, especially older adults and those with certain health conditions. “An infection can go on to cause more serious pneumonia,” says Dr. Livornese.
The virus can lead to hospitalization and, in some cases, be fatal. If you have a heart or lung condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, you’re at higher risk of complications. What’s more, frail individuals are more likely to develop severe cases of RSV.
How to protect yourself from RSV
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to stay safe from RSV: a new single-dose vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults ages 75 and older receive the RSV vaccine. If you are between the ages of 60 and 74, you may also qualify for the vaccine if you:
- Have chronic heart or lung disease
- Have chronic health conditions
- Have a weakened immune system
- Live in a nursing or long-term care facility
- Live with certain other medical conditions, such as obesity or diabetes
If you received the RSV vaccine last year, there’s good news — you don’t need another dose this year. “Initial studies show that the vaccine protects adults in this demographic through two winter respiratory seasons,” says Dr. Livornese.
If you do contract RSV, the virus typically lasts for a week or two. There isn’t any specific antiviral medication for RSV, but you can take steps to treat your symptoms. This may include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce a fever
- Staying hydrated
It’s a good idea to consult your health care provider for advice on which medications are right for you.
In addition to vaccination, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting RSV. Regular and thorough hand washing is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against any virus, including RSV. Soap and water are best, but hand sanitizer is a good alternative if you’re on the go. Also, be mindful about covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze to help prevent spreading the virus to others, says Dr. Wardlaw.
