YOUR QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY COULD GET CUT SHORT BY RSV

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.1-4

Even the best-laid plans could be cut short by RSV. While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think—even if you're healthy.2-4

People of all ages can get RSV. If you’re aged 60 or over and have an underlying health condition, you are especially at risk for severe RSV infection.2,5

 

In high-income countries,* RSV causes about 5.2 million cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) each year in patients 60 years of age and older.6

*High-income countries include the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. No incidence data were available for South Korea.

What are the symptoms of RSV infection?3,7-11

RSV symptoms range from mild to severe and can last up to 2 weeks. It can also cause severe symptoms in older adults.14-15

RSV symptoms may include:10

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid/difficulty breathing
  • Cyanosis (bluish coloring of the skin due to lack of oxygen)

How does RSV spread?

RSV spreads similarly to other respiratory infections and is easily transmitted through coughs or sneezes. Typically, individuals are contagious for 3-8 days, but those with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks, even after they stop showing symptoms.2,16,17

RSV in the Philippines

In the Philippines, RSV cases tend to increase during the rainy season when respiratory infections are more common.18,19

DO YOU KNOW RSV?

Can RSV lead to pneumonia?

get the answer down-arrow

Yes. Although RSV infection is usually mild, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia or other complications.

Did you know?

People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.10,12,20,21

Remember, there is no specific treatment for RSV in adults but learning who is at risk of severe infections from RSV can help protect you and your loved ones.

For further information about RSV, please consult your doctor.22

Any information provided on this website should be discussed with a healthcare professional and does not replace a healthcare professional’s advice.

References: 1. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13 2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine; 2017;38;29-36 3. Stephens LM;Vaccines;2021;9;624 4. Kodama F;Infect Dis Clin North Am;2017;31;767-790 5. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions 6. Savic M;Influenza Other Respi Viruses;2022;1–10 7. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310 8. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16; 462-473 9. Falsey AR;Clinical Microbiology Reviews;2000;13;371–84 10. Mayo Clinic; 2021;1-5;RSV symptoms and causes 11. CDC; 2021; 1-2; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Symptoms and Care 12. Schweitzer JW; NCBI Bookshelf; 2022;1-6 13. ESR; 2021;1-3;ESR data highlights surge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 14. American Lung Association. 2024. RSV in Adults. Retrieved from:  https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv/rsv-in-adults; 15. Nam HH and Ison MG. BMJ 2019;366:l5021 16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023. RSV transmission. www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/transmission.html; 17. Walsh EE et al. J Infect Dis 2013;207:1424–1432. 18. Otomaru H. et al. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:2536-2543 19. Suryadevara M;Viruses;2021;13;1-14 (v1.0) 20. Blunck B; Vaccine; 2021;39;1248-1256 21. Openshaw PJM;Annu. Rev. Immunol;2017;35;501–532 22. CDC;June;2018;1-2;Older Adults Are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection

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