Last week I discussed how long we are contagious for with the Common Cold, FLU, RSV and COVID 19.
According to new data in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report hospitalizations for the espiratory syncytial virus (RSV), RSV is less common than the FLU or COVID-19, but is more severe and more likely to occur in adults ages 75 and older.
A study was performed that looked at adult hospitalization for RSV, FLU COVID -19 in the United States from February 2022 to May 2023. A total of 5,784 adults aged 60 years or older hospitalized with acute respiratory illness and laboratory-confirmed RSV, SARS-CoV-2, or influenza infection were prospectively enrolled in the study conducted at 25 US hospitals.
The results showed 304 (5.3%) adults were hospitalized with RSV, 4,734 (81.8%) with COVID-19, and 746 (12.9%) with influenza. The median age of hospitalized RSV patients was 72 years, compared to 74 for COVID-19 and 71 for influenza.
The odds for all outcomes were higher for RSV patients compared to COVID-19 or FLU (influenza). Patients hospitalized with RSV were more likely than hospitalized COVID-19 patients or hospitalized influenza patients to receive standard-flow oxygen
RSV while predominately a pediatric issue can be easily transferred from child to adult and especially the mature adult. RSV leads to mild illness in most adults. But if you’re over 65, you may be at risk for serious illness and related complications, making prevention essential.
It’s common to brush off a regular cold. When symptoms such as a runny nose and cough are treated, it’s typically with remedies like rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication. But when it comes to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which has symptoms similar to the common cold, not everyone can bounce back as quickly. For older adults especially, it can be dangerous, leading to serious symptoms and health complications such as a lung infection or pneumonia. It even leads to hospitalization for between 60,000 and 160,000 people over 65 each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“RSV puts older adults more at risk for serious disease, due to the general weakening of the immune system that occurs with age,” says Prathit Kulkarni, MD, an assistant professor of infectious disease at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In addition, older adults tend to have more chronic medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, and kidney diseases. RSV can also worsen existing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“Other groups that are particularly at risk for serious illness from RSV include those with immunocompromised conditions,” says Dr. Kulkarni. Because the range of these conditions is very wide, speak with your doctor about your own RSV risk, based on your personal health situation, he advises.
In the meantime, there are a number of ways you can help lower your risk of RSV and serious complications due to the virus. Start with these tips.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
“One good way to try and avoid RSV is to practice excellent hand hygiene,” says Kulkarni. The CDC urges everyone to reduce germs with regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. No water nearby? An alcohol-based sanitizer will do in a pinch.
2. Don’t Touch Your Face
Everyone’s guilty of it — scratching an itchy nose, rubbing dry eyes — but these mindless habits can spread the germs that cause RSV. Do all you can to stop touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid Close Contact
Remember the COVID-19 days when we nixed hugs and bumped fists instead? It can help to bring back the practice to avoid RSV, because close contact, such as shaking hands, kissing when greeting, or sharing utensils, can up your risk of contracting the virus.
4. Stay Home When Sick
It’s great to be committed to work or volunteering, but it’s also imperative to stay home and recover if you have RSV or another illness to help prevent you from spreading it. Don’t forget: You should avoid close contact with others who are sick, too.
5. Cover Your Mouth
As with any illness you have, it’s important to protect those around you when you cough or sneeze. Always cover your nose and mouth with your shirtsleeve, a hankie, or a tissue. Don’t forget to then discard the used tissues in the trash.
6. Skip Crowded Events
If RSV is going around in your area, you might want to reconsider mixing with large groups of people. Just like at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, try to shop during less busy times, sit apart from big crowds, and meet with groups outside.
7. Grab a Mask
You probably still have some masks in your kitchen drawer, right? Particularly for adults 65 and older and anyone with an immunocompromised condition, wearing a mask can greatly reduce the risk of catching a respiratory virus such as RSV. Keep one handy to don on planes and in crowded places.
8. Scrub Surfaces
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are handled frequently can also help banish germs in the home. Ones to tackle: cabinet handles, doorknobs, kitchen and bathroom counters, kids’ toys, and cell phones.
9. Ask About the RSV Vaccine
Scientists had been working for years to develop an RSV vaccine, and the wait is over. In May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccine — for use in adults 60 and older — to help prevent infection, and more RSV vaccines are coming down the pike. Talk to your doctor about whether you’re a good candidate for receiving this vaccine.
10. Boost Your Immune System
You can strengthen the way your body reacts to viruses and illness by focusing on your personal health habits. “General health practices are always helpful for increasing chances of a less serious outcome from many infections,” says Kulkarni.
To boost your immunity, strive to eat well (lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables), maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes of moderate movement every day), and get enough sleep.
These steps should be followed during the Cold and Flu season which runs from October to May and peaks in December.
Until Next time: Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and be Careful out in the World.
James A Vito, D.M.D.