Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection targeting the lungs and respiratory system. This is so common that many children contract the virus before their second birthday. But RSV doesn’t just make children sick; it can also infect adults. RSV destroys the cell lining of the airways, causing inflammation and overproduction of mucus when the immune system launches an attack. The airways can narrow and become clogged with mucus, cellular debris and fluid, making breathing feel like blowing through a plastic straw or wheezing like a deflated accordion.
While many infections are mild, infants under 2 months of age, all adults over 75, and adults over 50 with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for serious infections and hospitalization.
How is RSV spread?
RSV is contagious and spreads like the flu. Coughing and sneezing release tiny droplets into the air and onto surfaces.
You can become infected with the virus when you breathe these tiny droplets in, when someone nearby coughs or sneezes and they get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, or when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face before washing your hands.
Read: Corona, RSV or flu? >>
Who should get the RSV vaccine?
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the RSV vaccine for adults age 75 and older and adults age 50 and older who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for serious RSV disease that may lead to hospitalization.
What conditions increase the risk of serious illness from RSV?
The RSV virus can be merciless to people with impaired organ function or a compromised immune system. Several conditions increase your risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. These conditions include:
If you are unsure of your risk status, contact your health care provider (HCP).
How often should I get RSV vaccine?
Currently, CDC recommends only one RSV vaccine for adults 75 years of age or older or adults 50 to 74 years of age who are at high risk for serious illness from RSV. You should still get this vaccine even if you got it during pregnancy.
When is the best time to get the RSV vaccine?
RSV season typically runs from October to March. However, this may vary depending on your country of residence. The best time to get vaccinated is in the late summer or early fall before RSV season begins, but you can get vaccinated at any time. Ask your HCP when it is recommended to get the shot in your area.
What are the side effects of RSV vaccine?
RSV vaccine has side effects similar to other vaccines, which are generally mild and may include:
- pain at the injection site
- fatigue
- having fever
- headache
- sickness
- joint or muscle pain
What are the benefits of RSV vaccine?
The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks. Getting the RSV vaccine is the best way to prevent serious illness and complications from serious illness, such as heart disease caused by inflammation caused by the virus. Additionally, the rate of hospitalization due to RSV in older adults is significantly reduced. And one study found that getting the RSV vaccine may lower your risk of developing dementia later in life.
The benefits of RSV vaccination are similar for pregnant people. That means preventing serious illness and hospitalization. Additionally, vaccination between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy can protect the fetus. Maternal vaccination has been shown to reduce infant hospitalization of RSV-infected newborns by 68%.
If a woman was not vaccinated during pregnancy, she may be given a shot of long-acting RSV antibodies after her baby is born to help protect her from developing serious illness and keep her from going to the hospital.
In addition to the health benefits, getting vaccinated can also benefit your community. When populations are well vaccinated, adults will miss less work, students will miss school less, and hospitals will be less stressed by disease outbreaks.
This training material was created with support from:m modern.
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