Basics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus

As we head into the mid-December, experts are warning about a possible “triple-demic” with RSV, flu, and COVID-19. While RSV and the flu have been viruses researchers have studied longer, some might still be wondering what exactly RSV is.

According to the CDC (2022), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), is a virus that is known to cause mild, cold-like symptoms in adults. The Mayo Clinic (2022) states that RSV is a very common virus with most children being infected with it by age 2. It is of particular concern in infants, individuals with heard/lung diseases, immunocompromised patients, and older adults due to the potential for it to result in severe disease in these populations such as pneumonia (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

As mentioned before, mild cases of RSV can cause symptoms such as a dry cough, low-grade fever, sneezing, headaches, and congestion. On the other hand, the more severe disease cases can present with wheezing, difficulty breathing, severe coughing, and cyanosis (blue color of skin). In infants, severe cases could present with difficulty breathing with rapid breathes, lethargy, and poor feeding among others (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

With the rising cases of flu and COVID as winter progresses, is is important to stay vigilant for symptoms of RSV as well as the flu and coronavirus. To help prevent spread of respiratory illness such as these, wearing a high quality mask is important (Wall Street Journal, 2022).

If you’re worried about RSV, the flu, or COVID, please consult your physician for more information.