Question 1

What is RSV?

Accepted Answer

RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms but can be dangerous for certain people, including older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions.

Question 2

What are symptoms of RSV?

Accepted Answer

RSV can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, and tiredness. While most RSV symptoms are mild, in more severe RSV infections, shortness of breath, sneezing, wheezing, rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or blush coloring of the skin (cyanosis) can occur.

Question 3

If I get RSV, how long am I contagious?

Accepted Answer

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some adults with weakened immune system can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.

Question 4

I thought RSV only affected babies. Can adults get RSV?

Accepted Answer

People of all ages can get RSV. There is an increased risk for severe disease in older adults and adults living with certain underlying chronic conditions.

Question 5

How serious is RSV for adults?

Accepted Answer

RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms but can be dangerous for certain people, including older adults living with certain underlying conditions.

Question 6

If I’m healthy, do I need to be worried about RSV?

Accepted Answer

Being an older adult can put you at increased risk for severe complications due to RSV, even if you consider yourself healthy.

Question 7

How can I be tested for RSV?

Accepted Answer

There are various types of tests for RSV(4) . Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

Question 8

Can I only get RSV once?

Accepted Answer

No. People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.

Question 9

Why should I be concerned about RSV?

Accepted Answer

The body’s immune system typically weakens with older age and has a harder time fighting off infections, such as RSV infection. If you are an older adult or an adult living with certain underlying conditions, you may be at a higher risk for severe infections from RSV.  At your next appointment, talk to your doctor about your risk.

Question 10

What underlying conditions can put you at increased risk for complications due to RSV?

Accepted Answer

If you have asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may be at increased risk of severe RSV infection. If you have coronary artery disease (CAD) or diabetes, there is evidence to suggest you may be at increased risk of hospitalization due to RSV.

Question 11

If I have diabetes, am I at increased risk of hospitalization due to RSV?

Accepted Answer

Evidence suggests adults with diabetes may  be at increased risk of hospitalization due to RSV.

Question 12

If I have CHF, am I at increased risk of complications due to RSV?

Accepted Answer

Adults with CHF may have an increased risk of severe RSV infection. Additionally, evidence suggests that adults with CHF may be at an increased risk of complications due to RSV, such as hospitalizations.

Question 13

If I have COPD or asthma, am I at increased risk of complications due to RSV?

Accepted Answer

Adults with COPD or asthma may have an increased risk of severe RSV infection, which may lead to complications such as exacerbations of COPD and asthma.

Question 14

Is there a vaccine for RSV?

Accepted Answer

Yes, There are vaccines to protect older adult above 60 years from RSV infection. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist to know more.

RSV RESOURCES

Information about RSV

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about vaccination and other ways to protect yourself and others from RSV.