Health department warns of RSV

With respiratory illness season underway, it is important to understand illnesses that will be circulating in our community. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of them.

Oneida County Health Department wants to share the following information about RSV so that community members can keep themselves and those they care about healthy this winter.

What is RSV?

RSV is a common, contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections. 

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms include fever, coughs, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, tiredness and shortness of breath or trouble breathing.

RSV and underlying conditions

RSV can have an impact on individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or congestive heart failure (CHF). 

Prevention

RSV can be prevented by washing your hands, keeping your hands off your face, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your coughs and sneezes, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around you and staying home when you’re feeling sick.

Vaccination is available to help protect older adults against RSV. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn if RSV vaccination is right for you. 

For more information on RSV, please visit: RSV and Me (https://www.rsvandme.com); CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/); or visit oneidacountypublichealth.org, follow the OCHD on Facebook or call the health department at 715-369-6111.