YOUR EXPERIENCES COULD BE CUT SHORT BY RSV

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.1-4

Even the best-laid plans could be cut short by RSV. While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think—even if you're healthy.2-4

People of all ages can get RSV. But if you’re aged 60 or over, RSV infection can be severe.5

In industrialized countries,* RSV causes about 5.2 million cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) each year in patients 60 years of age and older.6

*High-income countries include the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. No incidence data were available for South Korea.

What are the symptoms of RSV infection?3, 7-10

Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, and sometimes they can last up to 2 weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions.

RSV symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid/difficulty breathing
  • Cyanosis (bluish coloring of the skin due to lack of oxygen)

How does RSV spread?

Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you're typically contagious for 3-8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms.4,11

RSV and the seasons

Is there a time of the year in which RSV infections occur more frequently, as is the case with other common respiratory infections? Yes and no. There is little seasonal variability in Malaysia, and so RSV has been shown to occur all year round with peaks reported between July to August and October to December.12–14

DO YOU KNOW RSV?

Can RSV lead to pneumonia?

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Yes. Although RSV infection is usually mild, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia or other complications.

Did you know?

People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.11,15,16

Remember, there is no specific treatment for RSV in adults, but learning who is at risk of severe infections from RSV can help protect you and your loved ones.17

References: 1. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13. 2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36. 3. Stephens LM;Vaccines;2021;9;624. 4. SKodama F;Infect Dis Clin North Am;2017;31;767-790. 5. NFID. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Available at: https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/rsv/. Last assessed: April 2024. 6. Savic M;Influenza Other Respi Viruses;2022;1–10. 7. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310. 8. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16;462-473. 9. Falsey AR;Clinical Microbiology Reviews;2000;13;371–84. 10. CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Symptoms and Care . Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html. Last Assessed: April 2024. 11. Schweitzer JW;NCBI Bookshelf;2022;1-6. 12. Chan CM, et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20:1848. 13. Suryadevara M, et al. Viruses 2021;13:696. 14. Low Y, et al. PLoS ONE 2022;17:e0265288. 15. Blunck B;Vaccine;2021;39;1248-1256. 16. Openshaw PJM;Annu. Rev. Immunol;2017;35;501–532. 17. CDC. RSV Vaccines for Adults. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/older-adults.html. Last accessed: October 2024.