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What happens when adults get RSV?

What happens when adults get RSV?

Most cases of RSV in adults and healthy children will not require treatment. Infants and older adults at greatest risk of severe RSV can develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis or experience a worsening of their existing heart and lung conditions and may require hospitalization.

What are the signs and symptoms of RSV in adults?

In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms….Symptoms

  • Congested or runny nose.
  • Dry cough.
  • Low-grade fever.
  • Sore throat.
  • Sneezing.
  • Headache.

How contagious is RSV to adults?

Individuals are usually no longer contagious after the symptoms disappear (5 to 8 days). However, individuals with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks.

Is RSV bad for adults?

Older adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized. Some may even die. Older adults are at greater risk than young adults for serious complications from RSV because our immune systems weaken when we are older. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Is RSV worse than COVID?

So far, the new coronavirus appears to be more dangerous for adults, especially older ones. RSV is riskier for young children, but it can also be serious for older people and those who have other health problems.

How do you get rid of RSV in adults?

RSV treatment in adults is supportive, including antipyretics, supplemental oxygen, and intravenous fluids as needed. 31 Inhaled or systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators may be used for elderly patients or patients with preexisting pulmonary conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD) with acute wheezing.

How does an adult get RSV?

RSV is an airborne virus that can be spread a few different ways, including: Coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Droplets of the virus from a cough and sneeze getting into your eyes, nose or mouth. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a surface infected with the virus.

What can adults take for RSV?

Take steps to relieve symptoms Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.) Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).

Can RSV turn into pneumonia?

RSV can cause more serious health problems RSV can also cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

Can you have RSV and COVID?

COVID-19 can also cause severe illness, though this is less common in kids than in adults. According to the Houston Chronicle, Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston has reported 25 cases—“and counting”—of children with both RSV and COVID.

How common is RSV in children?

Almost all children will be infected with RSV by their second birthday. RSV usually causes mild respiratory illness, but it can be serious, especially in infants and older adults.

What happens if an older person gets RSV?

Severe RSV Infection. Congestive heart failure (when the heart can’t pump blood and oxygen to the body’s tissues) Older adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized. Some may even die. Older adults are at greater risk than young adults for serious complications from RSV because our immune systems weaken when we are older.

Is RSV a serious respiratory disease?

RSV usually causes mild respiratory illness, but it can be serious, especially in infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

How long does it take to recover from RSV infection?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection. Minus. Related Pages. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.