RSV virus to the elderly over 70 years old

RSV disease science popularization

Most people think of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), they usually think of babies. But people of any age can get the virus. RSV can be dangerous for some elderly people. Each year, approximately 100,000 to 150,000 people age 60 and older are hospitalized with RSV in the United States. The following groups are at the highest risk of severe RSV disease: seniors 75 years of age and older, those with chronic heart or lung disease, those with weakened immune systems, those with certain other underlying conditions, and those living in nursing homes.

01 RSV Symptoms Differ in Older Adults

RSV may vary by age. Young infants may exhibit irritability, inactivity, and difficulty breathing. In the elderly, symptoms usually include: runny nose, coughing, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and sneezing.

For older people, severe RSV infection can trigger pneumonia (lung infection) or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the respiratory tract). Some signs of worsening RSV may occur, such as high fever, severe cough, asthma, shortness of breath, and lack of oxygen.

02 How RSV Affects Older Adults

For most older adults, RSV causes cold-like symptoms that get better within 1 to 2 weeks. But some older people may develop more serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, congestive heart failure, asthma, or exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The symptoms of RSV may be more severe in older people with asthma, COPD, and weakened immune systems. Almost everyone's immune system weakens as they age, putting the elderly at greater risk. Sometimes, RSV can be fatal.

03 How to Prevent

Vaccine may protect the elderly from severe RSV infection. Saline nasal drops or sprays help relieve nasal congestion. Most people recover after a while, but older people who develop complications may need hospitalization. Typically, treatment includes supportive care such as intravenous fluids, ensuring hydration, oxygen therapy, use of a ventilator to help breathe, respiratory therapy, and for patients with extremely weakened immune systems, early use of inhaled ribavirin aerosol and intravenous immunoglobulin may improve survival.

Avoid close contact with sick people: this includes touching, kissing or hugging people with flu-like symptoms. Do not share utensils or utensils. If close contact cannot be avoided, consider wearing a mask or gloves.

Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you can't wash your hands, you can use an alcohol-based disinfectant to clean your hands.

Avoid touching the face with your hands: touching the nose, eyes and mouth can spread germs.

Clean and disinfect surfaces: regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, door handles, mobile phones, etc., to help prevent the spread of diseases. RSV can remain on surfaces for several hours, either through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with these surfaces.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: If you are in frequent contact with an older loved one, make sure you cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use paper towels, then discard and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, you can sneeze with your top cuff.