RSV in Older Adults

RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is an illness in your lungs and respiratory tract.  Symptoms can mimic that of a mild cold.

You think of RSV as a young child illness but it can also affect older adults.  

As an older adult, how you handle the virus depends on your health and any underlying conditions.

You have to be very careful if you have any heart or lung disease or if you have a weak immune system.

You may get a runny nose, cough and maybe even a fever.  These could be mild symptoms that might last a week or two and then resolve.

When it becomes a problem is when it lingers and you don’t start feeling better.  You could be headed for a bout of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Reach out to your medical professional if symptoms worsen.  You may need interventions like intravenous fluids, nebulizer treatments or oxygen.

If you get to a place where you need to be hospitalized the good news is that it should resolve itself in a few days.

Private Home Health Care understands how important it is to listen to our bodies.  Watch if you feel like you are catching a cold.  

You may need to get additional help if you have any underlying conditions.  Be smart and reach out to a medical professional if you have any concerns.