{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"RSV \/Respiratory syncytial virus","description":"This week we will discuss another respiratory virus that has been really hitting hard here in the United States this season.    \u200b Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that is usually mild, but can severely affect the lungs and respiratory airways in older adults While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think\u2014even if you're healthy. And if you're aged 60 or older, you can get RSV. But don\u2019t worry, by coming here you\u2019ve taken a savvy first step toward learning about RSV so you can be informed. Let\u2019s dive in. What are the symptoms of RSV? \u200b Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe and can last up to 2 weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults. RSV symptoms may include: Fever Cough Sore Throat Runny Nose Congestion Headache Tiredness \u200bThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, especially those 65 years of age and older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems. ~~ How does RSV spread? Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you're typically contagious for 3-8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks\u2014even after they stop showing symptoms. ~~ There\u2019s a trio of viruses spreading in the U.S. \u2014 COVID-19, the flu and RSV \u2014 and some in the medical world are calling it a \u201ctripledemic.\u201d Public health officials have seen \u201celevated\u201d levels of all three viruses circulating in the U.S. If you\u2019re feeling sick, it can be tough to differentiate among COVID-19, the flu and RSV because they share similar symptoms and can also look like the common cold. When it comes to COVID-19, the CDC reports cases and deaths have risen in the past few weeks, as of Dec. 16. Meanwhile, Walenksy said at the briefing that flu and RSV cases are higher than what\u2019s been historically typical this season. It\u2019s possible that you might be sick with one of the viruses. But keep in mind that from late August through March, it\u2019s also a prime time to get a cold ~~ Am I sick with COVID, RSV, the flu or simply a cold? Before getting into symptoms, one characteristic COVID-19, the flu and RSV shares is that they\u2019re respiratory infections affecting the airways, lungs, sinuses and throat. The cold is similar in that it is an upper respiratory infection affecting the nose and throat. COVID-19 and the flu have quite a few overlapping symptoms, according to the CDC, including: Fever Cough Trouble breathing  Feeling tired Sore throat Headache Vomiting Runny or a stuffy nose ~~ Diarrhea is listed as a flu and COVID-19 symptom by the CDC. However, while anyone with COVID-19 can experience diarrhea, it is more likely that children with the flu will experience the symptom, according to the agency. The CDC notes that COVID-19 symptoms may take longer to show up after an initial infection compared with the flu. ~~ Overall, the flu is the most likely to result in muscle aches and a fever compared to COVID-19, a cold and RSV, according to NYU Langone Health. \u200bIn the U.S., the flu and RSV is hitting children hard and overwhelming hospitals, NPR reports. ~~ RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can affect anyone with \u201ccold-like\u201d symptoms and has the potential to be most severe for babies and older adults, according to the CDC.  The most common symptoms of RSV and a cold Similarly to COVID-19 and the flu, RSV symptoms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, include: \u2022  Fever \u2022 Cough \u2022 Trouble breathing, including wheezing and shortness of breath \u2022 Feeling tired \u2022 Stuffy nose Other symptoms include sneezing, flaring nostrils, lack of appetite, and \u201chead bobbing or chest caving in between and under ribs with each breath,\u201d the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. The common cold also shares overlapping symptoms of COVID-19, the flu and RSV, according to Mayo Clinic. ~~ Some include: \u2022 Low-grade fever \u2022 Cough \u2022 Runny or stuffy nose \u2022 Congestion Meanwhile, sneezing, body aches and a mild headache are also cold symptoms.  Getting evaluated for COVID-19 or the flu With COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC reports that \u201cyou cannot tell the difference between\u201d the pair based on symptoms. \u200bLuckily, there is a test that can detect whether you have COVID-19, the flu and even RSV that you can get through a health care provider. If all three are ruled out, there\u2019s potential that you could have a cold. Generally, good habits to prevent yourself from getting sick include washing hands, avoiding touching your face, avoiding close physical contact, staying home and cleaning surfaces (CREDITS: https:\/\/bit.ly\/3jIWxbG) . ","author_name":"PodcastDX","author_url":"https:\/\/www.PodcastDX.Com","html":"