Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the respiratory tract. While most people recover without major issues, it can be a serious health concern for seniors. RSV in seniors can cause dangerous consequences such as pneumonia and worsen existing health conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With home care assistance, seniors can learn more about RSV and how to keep themselves protected.
What Is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious virus that predominantly affects the respiratory system, resulting in symptoms similar to the typical cold such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever. Most people with RSV will have mild, cold-like symptoms that disappear within a week or two. However, RSV can cause more serious respiratory infections in newborns, young children, and seniors, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. The virus spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions or by touching virus-contaminated surfaces, making it easy to contract.
Why Are Seniors at Risk?
Seniors are at a higher risk of complications from RSV for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Weakened Immune System: As we age, our immune systems become less effective at fighting infections. This makes it more difficult for seniors to fight off infections like RSV, raising their risk of serious illness.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Many seniors suffer from underlying conditions, including heart disease, asthma, or COPD. RSV can make these worse, resulting in hospitalizations or more significant complications.
- Frailty and Reduced Respiratory Function: Aging causes a natural loss in lung capacity and respiratory function. Seniors who get RSV are more likely to develop pneumonia or other problems.
Symptoms of RSV in Seniors
RSV symptoms are frequently mistaken for other respiratory diseases, such as influenza or even COVID-19, making diagnosis difficult. If any of the symptoms listed below appear, particularly in a senior with underlying health problems, it is critical for home care assistance and loved ones to encourage seniors to contact their medical team. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include the following:
- Severe coughing and wheezing
- Shortness or difficulty breathing
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort
- Confusion
- Preventing RSV Among Seniors
Preventing RSV is important, especially for seniors. With home care assistance, however, they can learn what steps to take to ensure they’re protected. Some effective preventive measures are as follows:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Good hygiene practices include handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which can greatly minimize the risk of RSV transmission. Seniors should also refrain from touching their faces, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, after being in public locations.
- Avoid Close Contact With Sick People: Because RSV spreads quickly through close touch, seniors should avoid being near people who are exhibiting respiratory symptoms. Thankfully, with home care assistance, they can stay at home rather than heading to the grocery store or running other errands.
- Environmental Precautions: Keeping living rooms well-ventilated and routinely sanitizing high-touch surfaces can help to limit the transmission of RSV, especially if seniors have a lot of visitors.
RSV is a severe health problem for seniors, but with adequate precautions and prompt treatment, the risks can be reduced. With home care assistance, seniors can lower their odds of getting RSV and preserve better respiratory health.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/lung/rsv-affects-whole-family
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/older-adults/index.html
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv/rsv-in-adults
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Belmont, MA, please contact the caring staff at PlatinumCare + today. Call (617) 237-0867.
PlatinumCare + was born out of the desire and passion to provide the very best home health care possible in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston MA, and surrounding areas.
All with decades of experience, Tim in IT Operations, Support, and Management, Brenda in Client Relations, Healthcare Services & Sales Management, and Anne in Healthcare as a Nurse Practitioner combined their skills to form what is now PlatinumCare +.
As immigrants to the US, all came from backgrounds where Healthcare for aging parents was a responsibility of the immediate family and the entire community. Aging, sick, or terminal community members were cared for physically, emotionally, and financially by family, friends, including strangers! This community approach, Healthcare with a difference, delivered with the utmost love, care, sacrifice, and passion, forms the basis of how PlatinumCare + grounds itself.
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