RSV, Asthma, COPD and Other Lung Problems

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways. It’s highly contagious and can be dangerous for infants and older adults. 
 

Symptoms of RSV are similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose, cough, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause wheezing, high fever, and difficulty breathing, and may require hospitalization.

The more severe form of RSV also may cause infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia. Because RSV pneumonia is caused by a virus, antibiotics can't treat it. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. Typically, you treat it with rest, fluids, and oxygen.

Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the smaller airways to your lungs. It can be life-threatening if it keeps you from breathing well. You can treat the symptoms with fluids, oxygen, saline for congestion, and pain relievers or fever reducers.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes swelling and narrowing of your airways. Babies who get RSV are more likely to have asthma later in life. Based on this, doctors suspect RSV may trigger asthma for the first time in some people. If you have asthma, you may have more severe asthma symptoms when you get RSV.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of your lungs. Because your lung function is already weak when you have COPD, RSV symptoms can hit harder and put you at higher risk of RSV complications.

Regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and cleaning hard surfaces can help reduce the spread of the virus. Anyone over age 75, pregnant people, and people ages 60-74 who have serious health conditions are eligible for the RSV vaccine.