06/12/2023
Let's talk RSV. It seems to be the most common illness going around right now other than the Flu. RSV is known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus. 🦠
RSV is a common cold virus that is easily spread by sneezing, coughing, contact with secretions. The virus can affect adults as well as children.
Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat and congestion and runny nose. I like to think of it as the "snottiest cold ever"! It truly has a distinctive cough and drainage from the nose is profuse.
Generally children over the age of 5y are affected mildly and under the age of 5y can develop more severe symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, low oxygen levels and may require hospitalization.
Treatment is supportive only but at times we will prescribe nebulizer treatments and oral steroids. Antibiotics do not treat RSV! However, ear infections can be common with RSV and an antibiotic might be prescribed.
RSV is very common and generally occurs during the winter months. There is now a vaccine available to help prevent illness. It is available for elderly people and children with chronic conditions. It may become more readily available in the next year or two.
Please feel free to contact me for further information.
I pray you have a safe and healthy Holiday Season ❤️