RSV is a respiratory illness affecting adults and children.
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. Most people hadn’t even heard of RSV until recent times, but in the past year it has become a hot topic, especially in terms of infant infection rates.
RSV can affect both children and adults, and the symptoms are much like that of a common cold, runny nose, fever, and coughing. It can lead to inflammation of the airways of the lungs, and pneumonia. It is most dangerous for small children and older adults, and it is very contagious. Here are five things to know about RSV.
RSV can be contracted by interaction with respiratory droplets from an infected person, or by touching an infected surface and then touching your face.
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RSV is contagious for 3-8 days after you contract the virus. Symptoms may not show up for 1-2 days, so there is a chance you can pass the virus on without realizing it.
There is currently no vaccine for RSV, but all the big box pharmacy companies are currently working on it.
RSV normally clears up on its own with the normal remedies like rest, fluids, and cold medications. However it can lead to respiratory illnesses, so be sure to monitor your symptoms.
RSV can be prevented with common sense cold measures like washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, staying home while sick, and wearing a mask in public.