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RSV virus in the elderly is contagious and just as dangerous in children.

RSV virus in the elderly is contagious and just as dangerous in children.

  • There is no specific cure for RSV infection. Treatment is symptomatic. If it occurs in the elderly, the mortality rate is higher than in children. Because the elderly often have underlying diseases.
  • The mortality rate from RSV in adults is approximately 12%, which is higher than the mortality rate in children of only 0.12%.
  • Currently, there is an RSV vaccine available to boost immunity to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in people aged 60 years and older and people aged 50 to 59 years. Who are at risk of RSV-related disease.

RSV infection is an infection caused by the RSV virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) in the respiratory system, both upper (trachea) and lower (lungs). It is a contagious disease through breathing in droplets of sputum from patients infected with RSV1, such as mucus, saliva. Contact with environments contaminated with secretions, such as tables and chairs.  

Why is RSV infection more common in children than adults?

  • Because children often spread สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น the virus through contact at school and pass it on to people in the home, including the elderly and guardians.
  • Adults are more susceptible to RSV infection. Often underdiagnosed, with most people being tested for influenza or COVID-19 instead.
  • There is no specific treatment for RSV. Treatment is symptomatic. If it occurs in the elderly, it is more dangerous and has a higher mortality rate than in children because the elderly often have underlying diseases.
  • The mortality rate from RSV in adults is approximately 12%, which is higher than the mortality rate in children, which is only 0.12%.

RSV is a common infectious disease. So it should prevented appropriately and vaccinated in patients at risk. It ca prevented by washing hands frequently. Wearing a mask, not sharing personal items with others, not mingling with sick people, keeping a distance between people, and getting vaccinated against RSV.

Symptoms of RSV infection in the elderly

Symptoms usually appear within 4-6 days, and may appear in stages rather than all at once. Once symptoms appear, they usually last for about 2-8 days. Most people recover within 1-2 weeks, unless complications arise.

Because RSV infection often has flu-like symptoms, many adults. Older adults don’t get tested unaware they have the infection. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and mild headache, and are more severe in older adults than in children.