Introduction
Like influenza, the respiratory syncytial virus is a typical respiratory virus influencing the respiratory tract and lungs. RSV infection contributes to mild symptoms, particularly cold-allied, though. Usually, people who get the RSV infection recover within days or a week and do not demand hospitalization. Nevertheless, severe infection is common among older adults and infants less than six months. The more the severity, the more the individual gets illness-seeking hospitalization. About 60,000 to 1,20,000 Americans are hospitalized for RSV infection, yet 6,000 to 10,000 die, per the annual report. So, it is more than a cold to be concerned about.
How Do Adults Get RSV Infection?
RSV infections are more common among infants as most children would have encountered them before their second birthday, as stated by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). On the contrary, adults are also prone to RSV infection as the recurrent infection is likely throughout the ages of life. Besides, it recurs more in immunocompromised adults above the age of 65.
Modes of Transmission
Unfortunately, the RSV virus bides for hours on hard surfaces and has limited spans on soft aspects. And RSV-infected people stay contagious for about three to eight days. In contrast, the immunocompromised ones are conducive to transmitting infection for a longer span of four to five weeks, even after the cessation of symptoms.
The modes of transmission in adults usually rely on the following.
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Droplets from the cough and sneeze of an infected person.
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Direct contact in the sense of nurturing and kissing infected little ones.
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Touching the infected surfaces and putting one's hand on the nose, mouth, or eyes.
Who Is at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection?
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Adults aged sixty-five and older.
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Adults with a weakened immune system.
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Older adults with underlying chronic lung disease hold low lung capacity.
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Chronic heart illnesses.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of RSV Infection in Adults?
The mild form of RSV infection exhibits signs concerning the upper respiratory tract, like cold, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. These are the symptoms of a healthy adult. But, it is not the same for older and immunocompromised adults. The long-term effects of the RSV virus in the body precipitate the following illnesses.
Lung Infection
It is relatively safe, and the recovery requires a few days when the infection is subjected to the upper respiratory tract. However, when the infection worsens on a chronic part, the individual encounters severe symptoms like wheezing, barking cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. These are the alarming signs that the lower respiratory tract is distressed. The most RSV-severe forms of lung infections include bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is known for the inflammation and congestion of the small airways called bronchioles. It causes the airways to become narrow and comprise oxygen transport, resulting in breathing concerns. With a cold, cough, sneeze, and wheeze, the adult will experience shortness of breath, fatigue, irritability, and vomiting for several weeks of infection. An ear infection is also the last complication. And in rare cases, bronchiolitis culminates in lung failure when left untreated. Antibiotics are not prescribed as bronchiolitis is a viral infection. So, oral or inhaled bronchodilators are advised.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is the inflammation of the air sacs in one or two lungs. Air sacs of the lungs are air-filled internal compartments that facilitate airflow, but in pneumonia, the air sacs are filled with fluid or pus. The symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to potentially life-threatening. The symptoms constitute cough with pus, fever, chills, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, headaches, and vomiting. Most viral-based pneumonia recovers within a week. Doctors might prescribe antiviral medications in cases of seriousness.
With the above complications, RSV enduring for a long time in adults could worsen the following medical conditions and possess the associated effects.
Asthma
People with underlying asthma are more likely to have worsening conditions when infected with RSV. As a result, they encounter asthmatic attacks more than usual. Furthermore, it influences daily functioning due to persistent asthma flare-ups. In addition, with severity, the permanent narrowing of the airways would trigger breathing issues. The other complications include fatigue, pneumonia, lung failure, and intense chest pain.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
COPD is an umbrella term describing a range of inflammatory lung diseases that obstruct airflow, resulting in breathing problems. The life-threatening part is that COPD's damage to the lungs is not retrogressive. The characteristic feature of the disease is trouble breathing, which worsens with RSV and may seek emergency care.
Congestive Heart Failure
It is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood required for the body's function. Chest pain with breathing difficulties is a typical sign. Nevertheless, RSV contributes to the life-threatening consequences of heart failure. Moreover, older adults risk developing severe and life-threatening states with RSV since the immune system gets compromised as they age. Subsequently, with the alarming emergence, RSV can even cause death.
How Long Does an Adult’s RSV Last?
The duration of symptoms in cases of mild RSV might range from three to eight days or even as long as two weeks. Certain symptoms, such as persistent cough, may persist longer than others.
If RSV is complex, patients could need more medical attention and experience longer-lasting symptoms. One may need to stay in the hospital for several days or longer if they are hospitalized due to problems with RSV. After spending an extra three to nine days in the hospital, these adults frequently need follow-up care after leaving the hospital.
How Can One Prevent RSV Infection?
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Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing.
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Wash one’s hands often with soap.
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Turn away from touching the face with unclean hands.
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Disinfect the surfaces that are utilized daily.
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Steer clear of infected people.
What Are the Ways for Treating RSV in Adults?
For minor symptoms, the best advice is to relax and drink plenty of fluids, as there is no specific therapy for RSV infection. Make sure to continue taking the prescribed drugs if someone has asthma or COPD to assist with breathing. Individuals should also talk to their doctor if they believe their drug regimen has to be modified.
What Is the Course of Recovery for Adults With RSV?
The body's ability to combat sickness normally declines as one gets older. This implies that recovering from respiratory illnesses such as RSV can take longer. It is crucial to discuss any new or persistent symptoms one is having with the healthcare professional.
Conclusion:
RSV is a seasonal one that begins in the fall to peaks during winter days. So, take into consideration preventing the seasonal virus from invading. And be on guard for the loved ones at high risk with underlying medical conditions. Subsequently, contact the doctor once the person has impaired breathing with deteriorating symptoms. Medical healthcare researchers have been working to bring the appropriate vaccine against the RSV virus into subsistence.
