What You Need to Know About RSV

Many people look forward to the change in season when the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to fall. While there are many reasons to enjoy this time of year, it also marks the start of cold and flu season.

While flu and COVID-19 are most common this time of year, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another virus that can affect both children and adults. In most RSV cases, people have mild cold symptoms that go away in a week or two. However, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia in severe cases.

Highest Risk: Infants, Young Children and Older Adults

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year, RSV in the United States causes:

• 60,000-160,000 people 65 and older to be admitted to the hospital.
• 6,000-10,000 adults to die.
• 58,000-80,000 children age five and younger to be admitted to the hospital.

While infants, young children and older adults are most at risk to develop severe infection from RSV, others at risk include:

• People with chronic heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, COPD or asthma
• Adults and children with weakened immune systems
• Children with chronic lung disease due to prematurity
• Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities

Prevention

The FDA approved the first RSV vaccine, Arexvy, in May 2023 for adults 60 and older. Based on CDC guidelines, people within this age group should talk to their doctor about getting this vaccine.

The CDC states people may get vaccinated for RSV at the same time as they get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. However, you may want to wait two weeks after getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines before getting the RSV vaccine. Waiting two weeks reduces the risk of severe reactions. This may include injection site pain and swelling, muscle and joint pain, fever or headache. Talk to your doctor about what plan is best for you.

In August 2023, the FDA approved Abrysvo, an RSV vaccine for people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant. In most cases, if you vaccinate at least two weeks prior to delivery, your baby should be protected from RSV.

Infants less than eight months old may receive antibody treatments. Antibody treatments are not vaccines, they are lab-made antibodies that recognize and fight RSV if your child is exposed to the virus. It provides passive immunity against RSV. This means your baby is protected now. If your baby is exposed to RSV, it creates active immunity. This immunity takes time to develop.

Infants eight to 19 months old with chronic medical issues entering their second RSV season should also get RSV antibody treatments.

Use these tips to stay healthy and stop the spread of infection to others during RSV season:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth. If you do, wash your hands before and after.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Don’t visit with people who may be sick.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or use your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean high touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches and electronic devices.

By taking these steps, we can limit the spread of RSV and other viruses in our community. We can also help keep our hospital beds open for patients with other medical needs.

Next Steps

Bronson is here to help. If you think you or family member might have RSV:

• Contact your pediatrician or primary care doctor.
• Call a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788.
• Visit our Need Care Now page to learn about available care options

Watch our video for helpful tips about respiratory viruses and how you can protect your child. Also, learn the signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical care.