RSV season is here, and cases are on the rise, particularly among young children and older adults. Dr. Chad Rodgers, chief medical officer for AFMC and practicing pediatrician, recently spoke on AFMC TV about the significant uptick in cases, particularly among those with respiratory complications, such as asthma and COPD. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies is important to ensure patients stay protected from the virus this year.
IN THIS BLOG:
1. What is RSV, and who is at most risk?
RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to serious respiratory illnesses, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
2. How does RSV spread, and when is it most prevalent?
RSV spreads rapidly and easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is typically seen in Arkansas from late fall to early spring, aligning with the colder months when people are more likely to be indoors and in close contact.
3. What are the common symptoms of RSV?
Common symptoms of RSV include a runny nose, lingering cough, and fever. While these symptoms are often mild, RSV can lead to more serious illness in those with existing respiratory complications.
4. How can RSV be prevented, and who should consider vaccination?
Preventative measures include practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding respiratory irritants like smoke. Vaccination is recommended for all adults aged 75 and older, and those aged 60–74 with underlying risk factors. Additionally, vaccines are available for pregnant women to help pass on immunity to their newborns, and monoclonal antibody treatments are recommended for infants under eight months old during RSV season.
For Some, RSV May Be More Than Just a Cold.
Due to its similar symptoms, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is often thought of as the common cold. It is typically seen in Arkansas in the late Fall to early Spring. RSV spreads rapidly and easily, which can be concerning for older adults and parents with young children.
While most people experience more mild symptoms like a runny nose, lingering cough, and fever, RSV can lead to more serious illness in those with existing respiratory complications.
While Fairly Common, RSV is More of a Pediatric Illness.
Historically, RSV has been viewed primarily as a childhood illness. “When I was training in residency 25 years ago, we treated RSV as a childhood illness,” Dr. Rodgers explains. “But now, as we’ve begun testing adults more and more, especially those with COPD, or other respiratory issues, we’re seeing that RSV is also affecting older adults.”
This discovery has spurred the development of preventive vaccines tailored to children, older adults, and pregnant women.
Improvements in Prevention: The Role of Vaccination
Previously, those who contracted RSV required hospitalization for supportive care. ““If you were sick enough, treatment for RSV involved going to the hospital and receiving oxygen and fluids to keep you hydrated,” Dr. Rodgers says.
With the introduction of RSV vaccines, the landscape has shifted dramatically. “While patients may still get RSV if they take the vaccine, their likelihood of ending up in the hospital, on a ventilator, or going to the ICU has decreased dramatically,” Dr. Rodgers adds.
The past season saw a notable uptick in children receiving the RSV vaccine, which significantly reduced the burden of the disease, keeping children out of the hospital and the ICU for a severe case, which is the entire goal of vaccination.
Targeted Prevention for Youth and Older Adults
Healthcare professionals are focusing on vaccinating younger children, particularly those under 8 months of age, during RSV season. “The unique thing about the vaccination for children is that it contains a monoclonal antibody, which provides children immunity that can last up to five months or so,” Dr. Rodgers says. Additionally, there are vaccines available for pregnant women, administered during the later stages of pregnancy to help pass on vital immunity to their newborns.
“OBs, primary care providers, and clinical staff need to be aware that the RSV vaccine should be administered during pregnancy,” he advises.
There has been a recent increase in vaccination rates among parents—many of whom are motivated by the desire to keep their children healthy. “Nothing is more miserable than watching your child get sick only to fall ill yourself,” Dr. Rodgers says. This new awareness of the RSV vaccine motivates parents to consult their OBGYNs about the timing of the vaccine during pregnancy and postpartum.
“I want parents to know that the vaccine is safe for them and their children and can protect them from RSV,” Dr. Rodgers adds. If your child is older than two months at their two-month visit, they can still receive the vaccine without interrupting their immunization schedule.
Signs and Symptoms to Monitor
RSV symptoms often resemble those of other viruses, like the common cold. The infection may result in significant mucus production, which can cause inflammation in the lungs, making it harder to perform routine activities like eating or drinking. Parents should watch for signs of dehydration, as congested children may not drink enough fluids.
“Staying hydrated is one of the key factors in dealing with RSV,” Dr. Rodgers says. “It’s essential to monitor your child’s breathing, wheezing, or other breathing struggles, as these may indicate that it’s time to reach out to a pediatrician or healthcare professional.” Keeping a fever after four or five days may also signify a need to consult with a pediatrician.
Primary Prevention Strategies
In addition to getting vaccinated, hand washing is very important, especially for children who may easily spread germs by coughing or sneezing into their hands and then touching surfaces. Wearing a mask may also be a great way to keep the virus from spreading.
RSV vaccines have also been approved for adults over 75 and those 60 and older with COPD or other respiratory conditions. Controlling the spread in adults may help control the spread in children as well, and vice versa.
“The other thing I would say is to avoid respiratory irritants, smoke being the biggest one,” Dr. Rodgers says. “Also, anytime we switch from hot to cold, that can stir up things in the air and kick up a lot of irritants that can make symptoms worse.”
By arming your patients with knowledge about RSV and the importance of vaccination, you can better protect vulnerable populations and lower hospital rates during RSV season.
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