Spending time with masks not only protects against COVID-19, but also protects against many upper respiratory tract viral infections. Dr. Kin-wing Choi, a specialist in infectious diseases, described these viruses as having been “quiet” for a period of time. After the lifting of anti-epidemic measures at the beginning of this year, there has been a resurgence of upper respiratory tract virus infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), due to insufficient herd immunity. The initial symptoms of this disease are similar to those of a cold, but they can rapidly worsen within a few days, or be complicated by bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. Dr. Cai reminded: “Everyone should pay attention to changes in the body, especially if shortness of breath occurs. This is not a common symptom of respiratory infection, and you should seek medical treatment immediately.”
Nearly 10% of elderly people who need medical treatment have a mortality rate of “three major warning signs”
Infants under 6 months old, especially premature infants, the elderly over 60 years old, and people with low immunity, such as those with long-term illnesses and those who have received organ transplants, are all at high risk for RSV infection. After being infected with RSV, patients usually experience symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose, but many people may regard it as a cold and ignore it. Dr. Cai reminded: “RSV progresses quickly, and the patient’s condition may take a turn for the worse 3 to 4 days after infection. Therefore, if the patient has a fever for more than 48 hours, shortness of breath, and slow reaction time, he should seek medical treatment immediately.” Once the condition cannot be controlled in time, , there is a greater chance of complications such as bronchial inflammation and pneumonia. Dr. Cai pointed out: “Due to the lower immunity of the elderly, about half of the elderly RSV patients will develop complications after being admitted to the hospital. More than one adult of them need to use a breathing apparatus, and the mortality rate among the elderly is close to 10%. The seriousness of RSV should not be underestimated. seriousness.”
RSV transmission “accelerates” and treatment is alleviated by main drugs
RSV can spread throughout the year. In the past, the peak period was between winter and spring. However, after three years of epidemic, the situation has changed. Dr. Cai mentioned: “The anti-epidemic measures during the epidemic caused RSV to be dormant for a period of time, and the number of cases decreased. However, as the measures were relaxed, RSV became active again in the community and spread faster than before.” RSV “is coming fiercely. ”, but there are currently no antiviral drugs for RSV in medicine, and treatment is mainly focused on relieving symptoms, such as relieving coughs and runny noses. For more severe cases, it may be necessary to use bronchodilator drugs, oxygen therapy, or even a breathing apparatus to assist breathing.
Dr. Choi also shared that an 82-year-old mother-in-law who suffered from chronic illness and mild cognitive impairment initially developed symptoms such as fever and cough. She thought it was just a common cold, so she only took patent medicines. But on the third day, the worker who lived with her found that her mother-in-law’s reaction had become sluggish and her appetite had dropped significantly, so she notified her family to send her to the hospital. When my mother-in-law arrived at the emergency room, her blood oxygen level had dropped to 90% and she needed immediate hospitalization. After examination, it was found that she was infected with RSV and was complicated by small bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. The condition was serious. Fortunately, my mother-in-law received timely treatment and was discharged from the hospital about two weeks later. Therefore, if you feel unwell, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
There is still a chance of secondary infection after recovery. Elderly people can be vaccinated to prevent it.
Dr. Cai reminds the public that even if they have been infected with RSV, the antibodies obtained by recovered patients are not permanent, so there is still a chance of secondary or even multiple viral infections. “Citizens should practice good personal hygiene on a daily basis, such as covering their mouth and nose with their hands when sneezing and coughing. They should also keep their hands clean at all times.” Fortunately, with the advancement of medical science, the RSV vaccine has been approved for vaccination for the elderly in Europe and the United States starting this year. Currently, elderly people over the age of 60 in Hong Kong can also choose to receive the RSV vaccine. It is expected to be expanded to other age groups and pregnant women in the near future to prevent infection more widely.
The above information is provided by Dr. Chua Kin Wing
Dr. Joseph Choi, Specialist in Infectious Diseases and Infectious Diseases
2024-01-14 23:30:00
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