Adults, especially the “elderly”, can be infected with RSV.
When entering the rainy season, a common health problem from changing weather conditions is respiratory infections caused by the RSV virus, especially in young children and the elderly, which causes a lot of phlegm, causing the lungs to become inflamed and causing the bronchial mucosa and other respiratory systems to swell, causing children to experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Meanwhile, the elderly, who are often weak or have underlying diseases, are at high risk of severe complications from RSV infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening.
Getting to know about RSV virus, how it spreads, and how to prevent it can help us prevent and deal with infection more effectively.
What is RSV?
RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a virus that causes infection in both the upper and lower respiratory tract. It is most commonly found in young children and the elderly, especially
- Young children under 3 years of age
- Elderly people aged 65 years and over or those with weak bodies, as the elderly are at high risk of severe complications from RSV infection.
RSV outbreaks in Thailand are สมัคร ufabet often found in the rainy and winter seasons. It can easily spread in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes. RSV can survive in the environment for several hours and on hands for more than half an hour if not washed. The incubation period of the disease is approximately 4-6 days after infection.
What are the symptoms of RSV? In what cases do you need to see a doctor immediately?
Symptoms indicating RSV infection, especially in the elderly, include:
Initial symptoms (usually occur within 4-6 days after infection)
- Low-grade fever: Body temperature may be slightly elevated, but in some elderly people, there may be no fever.
- Runny nose: Usually clear mucus in the early stages.
- Sore throat: You may feel irritation or a burning sensation in your throat.
- Dry cough: A slight cough is beginning.
If left untreated, possible symptoms include:
- Coughing more: Coughing is more frequent and may produce phlegm.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound when exhaling.
- Rapid and shallow breathing: Increased respiratory rate
- Shortness of breath: Feeling tired easily even with light activities
- Anorexia: Eating less food
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.
- Worsening of underlying medical conditions: such as asthma flare-up or difficulty controlling diabetes.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention
- Severe difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or use of respiratory muscles
- High fever that does not go down, especially if it is higher than 39 degrees Celsius
- Symptoms are noticeably worsening rapidly.
- Unable to eat or drink, at risk of severe dehydration.
- Seizures or loss of consciousness are dangerous signs that require immediate assistance.