With the seasons changing, sniffling noses are on the rise, and it's the time of year when doctor’s offices are visited in hopes that nothing more than a common cold is disrupting your children’s playtime. But with viruses like RSV on the rise, moms are on alert.
What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus is a common virus that most babies age 2 and under will have. Similar to the flu, it tends to occur during the colder weather months when people are more often indoors and viruses are more easily passed. The mild version of the virus displays like a cold, and so in some cases, hospitalization is not necessary.
But the respiratory virus is not one to take lightly. With California reporting the first death of child under 5 due to the virus, there is a need for concern. RSV is a precursor to bronchitis and pneumonia, and it's important to learn more about this spreading virus.
To sort out the details of RSV, let’s see how exactly the virus is caused, at what age is it dangerous, and who is susceptible to it.
What causes RSV?
Is RSV contagious to adults?
Adults can catch RSV. For a healthy adult, the virus will most likely resemble a common cold or even a flu-like virus. Adults can recover at home, and the symptoms can last for about one to two weeks.
But for those adults who are 65 years and older or adults who have chronic medical conditions and/or weakened immune systems, the virus can be harmful and can sometimes lead to a lung infection or pneumonia.
The CDC warns that in adults, RSV can sometimes exacerbate serious conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure
If any adult experiences difficulty breathing, then they must seek emergency medical attention immediately.
