Experts say RSV is not the common cough
RSV is short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. (graphic by Rakiyah Lenon)
By Addison Colvin | Staff writer
Studies show that RSV cases caused more people over the age of 60 to be hospitalized in February though May 2023 than COVID-19.
RSV is short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. RSV has been reported as more worse than a common cold or the flu, though the first symptoms of RSV often mimic a common cold. Symptoms include cough, headaches, runny nose and fatigue. The only way to tell the difference is if the healthcare provider does a mouth swab or blood test to confirm the presence of RSV.
RSV is at its peak is January, February, April and November, as that is the prime time when the weather is changing and everyone is struggling with sickness.
Dr. Steven Jones, pediatrician at Pediatric Partners, said that in all his years of work as a pediatrician, this has been one of the largest years for RSV cases in children.
“This year has been one of the biggest years I have witnessed as far as kids coming into the office and testing positive for RSV,” Jones said.
According to the CDC, “RSV symptoms for babies that are less than six months old are irritability, decreased activity, eating or drinking less, and apnea.”
Theresa Ehntholt, a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital of Georgia, said RSV can start off like a cold, but it can lead to more severe illness for babies such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
“In fact, RSV is one of the leading cause of hospitalization in children under the age of one,” she said.
Because the RSV virus attacks the lungs similar to how pneumonia does, it results in elderly people and babies being hospitalized with some lingering effects even after people are cured.
“RSV can sometimes also lead to exacerbation of serious conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure,” the CDC stated.
RSV is like any other sickness, as far as prevention goes. Experts recommend that people practice proper handwashing and to keep their distance if they are feeling sick.
According to the CDC, “RSV can also be prevented by babies by the mom getting a vaccine while she is 8-9 months pregnant.”
RSV has caused death in some cases. It is a very serious sickness that people need to take seriously. Experts strongly encourage individuals to take precautions if they are pregnant or above the age of 60.
Always be sure to call a doctor if anyone is feeling any of the symptoms or encountered someone who has tested positive for RSV.
Contact Addison Colvin at adcolvin@augusta.edu.
