Can RSV Infect Adults?

 SUNDAY, October 31, 2022, The HealthDay News While medical professionals caution against RSV infections in newborns and young children, adults should be aware that they, too, might have serious RSV-related illnesses.

According to a specialist from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause symptoms as severe as those associated with influenza and is not usually the minor respiratory sickness that people believe it to be.

According to Dr. Robert Atmar, a professor of infectious diseases at Baylor, the risks are particularly significant for those over 65, those with chronic lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes, as well as for those with these conditions.

The function of the heart, lungs and immune system are already damaged and less able to handle the stress associated with the illness, according to Atmar in a college news release, which is one of the reasons people with these conditions are at increased risk.

RSV instances have been rising, contrary to the typical trend of episodes from October through March or April, since the end of September, according to doctors. During the pandemic, prevention actions probably disturbed the regular pattern of RSV.

By coming into contact with an infected person, RSV can spread. Wearing a mask and thoroughly washing your hands can help avoid transmission.

Cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and nasal congestion are symptoms. Fever can happen. The virus can begin as an upper respiratory infection, similar to a cold, and then spread to the chest. Particularly for people with a chronic lung condition like COPD or asthma, wheezing can be a symptom.

The virus is more frequently identified in youngsters due to recognizable clinical symptoms including bronchiolitis. For pediatric situations, sensitive testing is readily available.

Molecular diagnostics have become more accessible for adults recently, Atmar added, even though adults are not frequently screened for RSV.

RSV is not subject to any particular therapies. To address symptoms, Atmar advises using decongestants for nasal congestion and cough syrups for a cough.

Pregnant women are being tested for an RSV vaccination. Atmar noted that there might also be a vaccine option for senior citizens by the next year.

"All adults may not only have a minor infection from this. Vaccines are being developed for these at-risk individuals since it can be a very deadly infection, especially in older adults, those with chronic heart and lung problems, or those with diabetes. It will be crucial for those populations approved to have those vaccines if they become available, just like they get the flu shot "By Atmar.

"If and when we have an effective vaccine available to do that, which we may have within the next year or two," he said, "it's worth preventing."