Public health official shares ways to stay healthy ahead of peak RSV season
JACKSON, Tenn. — With the weather changing and fall slowly approaching infants, young children and older adults are at risk for RSV. Here’s what you need to know to remain healthy.
Ginger Rowsey with the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department shares what exactly RSV is.
“RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes those mild cold-like symptoms. But it can be very severe in infants, young children and then older adults,” said Rowsey.
This respiratory virus may present itself like other common colds.
“Common RSV symptoms include sneezing, coughing, running nose, fatigued, decreased appetite. Very similar symptoms that you might see with other respiratory viruses like flu or even Covid,” said Rowsey.
However if RSV goes untreated, it can be life threatening. Rowsey adds that if someone with RSV is seen having trouble breathing, have them receive immediate help.
“RSV usually spreads during the fall and winter months. Similar to other respiratory viruses. For most people it’s going to be mild but for infants, young children and older adults it can be very severe. In fact RSV tends to be the leading hospitalization cause for infants,” said Rowsey.
In order to prevent the spread of RSV, you have to know how it’s contracted.
“We spread RSV by being in contact with others that have it. Touching surfaces after someone has had the virus touched it. So, if you’re going visit someone in the nursing home especially as RSV starts keep that in mind. Don’t go if you’re sick, don’t spread those germs and of course try to practice good hygiene,” said Rowsey.
She shares that this can be prevented by being mindful of your hygiene.
“Cover your cough and sneezes. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer, bring in some fresh air, open windows, good outdoors, so you can get some fresh air circulating. Of course, staying home and away from others if you’re sick,” said Rowsey.
For mothers who are pregnant there is a maternal vaccine that is offered 32 to 36 weeks into their pregnancy to prevent the spread of this virus.
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