Oneida County Health Department raising awareness about RSV

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

The Oneida County Health Department is sharing 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:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat 

• Runny nose

RSV and underlying conditions:

• Congestion

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.

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

Prevention:

• 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. 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 more.

For more information on RSV, visit: RSV and Me https://www.rsvandme.com/, CDC https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/ or visit the health department website at oneidacountypublichealth.org. The department also has a Facebook page and can be reached by phone at 715-369-6111.