This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified physician before engaging in any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is on the rise in Canada. And while the virus is usually known to affect children, adults can also become infected. Recently, many US hospitals have reported being “overwhelmed” by a wave of pediatric RSV cases. Now, Canada’s emergency rooms are starting to see an increase in the contagious virus. But how does this affect adults? In an interview with Yahoo Canada, Laurie Schwartz, an independent respiratory researcher at the Healthcare Alliance, says the current increase in RSV cases is “alarming.”
Can adults get RSV?
“It’s so contagious, and we usually see it in kids because they’re in public places like schools where it’s very easy to spread the virus,” explains Schwartz. “…However, adults can just as easily be carriers of the virus and pass it on to their children or someone else’s children, and so a downward spiral ensues,” he adds. “A lot of adults can have the virus without knowing it, because it hits adults more mildly, so we brush it off as a big deal. But for kids, it’s more serious.” Despite being known as a children’s virus, RSV can also affect adults. (Photo via Getty Images)
RSV in Canada: The need to know
Public Health Canada has noted a large number of cases across much of the country (particularly in Quebec) at a time when many Canadian hospitals are already experiencing long wait times and capacity issues. The agency’s most recent Respiratory Virus Report said RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year.” Cases are only predicted to rise as the country enters its first cold and flu season without COVID-19 measures and restrictions. Read on to learn more about RSV, its symptoms, and how you can prevent the virus. The story continues RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year,” according to Public Health Canada. (Photo via Getty Images)
What is RSV?
According to the National Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, RSV is a virus that infects the respiratory tract (ie, the lungs and airways). Although RSV can affect anyone of any age, it is most common in infants and children. In fact, it is so common that by the age of two, most infants and children have been infected with some form of RSV. RSV can be life-threatening, especially for infants and older adults with a history of congestive heart failure, asthma, or other breathing problems. However, it is usually a mild condition that resolves on its own. If the virus persists, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as pneumonia or bronchitis – inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. “In my career I’ve seen a lot of kids with RSV, and for the most part it’s pretty manageable. However, that doesn’t mean we should relax about it. If a kid’s never been sick before, you just never know how they might react to RSV virus,” says Schwartz. RSV outbreaks tend to start in late fall and last until early spring. However, cases tend to peak during the winter months. “With cold and flu season on the way, and fewer and fewer people wearing masks, I can totally see RSV cases going up,” Schwartz adds. “…And this also applies to adults, wear your masks, wash your hands, because you can be a carrier of the virus too.” Runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of RSV. (Photo via Getty Images)
What are the symptoms of RSV?
According to the Canadian Lung Association, RSV mostly causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and fever. Additionally, there are warning signs that may mean a patient has a more severe case of RSV. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
Blue lips or fingernails Whistling Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing A deeper or more frequent cough Dehydration In infants, difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding
“If the case is mild, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. But if there’s a cough, it can take longer to contain the virus,” explains Schwartz. “Because the symptoms are so similar to the common cold, it can be difficult to differentiate RSV from other conditions.” One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration. (Photo via Getty Images)
How is RSV treated?
“In most cases, RSV will go away on its own without any specific medical treatment,” says Schwartz. Additionally, RSV is not treated with antibiotics because they do not work against viruses. However, if you or your child develop pneumonia or bronchitis, they may need to be treated by a healthcare professional, given oxygen, or given another medicine to open the airway. One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration.
How can I prevent RSV?
Because RSV tends to appear in different outbreaks during the fall and winter months, it can be difficult to prevent anyone from getting the virus — especially children. Children’s facilities such as nurseries and preschools are higher risk locations and because the virus can remain on surfaces for hours, it is easily spread from person to person. That said, there are ways to reduce one’s risk of getting RSV.
Make sure to wash their hands often with soap and water Do not go out if you feel sick or avoid people who are sick Don’t share items that could easily transfer germs, such as cups, cutlery or clothing Throw used tissues in the trash immediately Wear a mask
“There are very basic things we can do to help prevent RSV, like washing our hands and staying home when we’re sick, but not everyone does them,” says Schwartz. “This year, more than ever, take precautions for your health and that of other people.” Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
title: “Rsv Cases On The Rise In Canada Symptoms And Treatment Explained " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-10” author: “Brenda Adams”
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified physician before engaging in any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is on the rise in Canada. And while the virus is usually known to affect children, adults can also become infected. Recently, many US hospitals have reported being “overwhelmed” by a wave of pediatric RSV cases. Now, Canada’s emergency rooms are starting to see an increase in the contagious virus. But how does this affect adults? In an interview with Yahoo Canada, Laurie Schwartz, an independent respiratory researcher at the Healthcare Alliance, says the current increase in RSV cases is “alarming.”
Can adults get RSV?
“It’s so contagious, and we usually see it in kids because they’re in public places like schools where it’s very easy to spread the virus,” explains Schwartz. “…However, adults can just as easily be carriers of the virus and pass it on to their children or someone else’s children, and so a downward spiral ensues,” he adds. “A lot of adults can have the virus without knowing it, because it hits adults more mildly, so we brush it off as a big deal. But for kids, it’s more serious.” Despite being known as a children’s virus, RSV can also affect adults. (Photo via Getty Images)
RSV in Canada: The need to know
Public Health Canada has noted a large number of cases across much of the country (particularly in Quebec) at a time when many Canadian hospitals are already experiencing long wait times and capacity issues. The agency’s most recent Respiratory Virus Report said RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year.” Cases are only predicted to rise as the country enters its first cold and flu season without COVID-19 measures and restrictions. Read on to learn more about RSV, its symptoms, and how you can prevent the virus. The story continues RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year,” according to Public Health Canada. (Photo via Getty Images)
What is RSV?
According to the National Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, RSV is a virus that infects the respiratory tract (ie, the lungs and airways). Although RSV can affect anyone of any age, it is most common in infants and children. In fact, it is so common that by the age of two, most infants and children have been infected with some form of RSV. RSV can be life-threatening, especially for infants and older adults with a history of congestive heart failure, asthma, or other breathing problems. However, it is usually a mild condition that resolves on its own. If the virus persists, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as pneumonia or bronchitis – inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. “In my career I’ve seen a lot of kids with RSV, and for the most part it’s pretty manageable. However, that doesn’t mean we should relax about it. If a kid’s never been sick before, you just never know how they might react to RSV virus,” says Schwartz. RSV outbreaks tend to start in late fall and last until early spring. However, cases tend to peak during the winter months. “With cold and flu season on the way, and fewer and fewer people wearing masks, I can totally see RSV cases going up,” Schwartz adds. “…And this also applies to adults, wear your masks, wash your hands, because you can be a carrier of the virus too.” Runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of RSV. (Photo via Getty Images)
What are the symptoms of RSV?
According to the Canadian Lung Association, RSV mostly causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and fever. Additionally, there are warning signs that may mean a patient has a more severe case of RSV. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
Blue lips or fingernails Whistling Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing A deeper or more frequent cough Dehydration In infants, difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding
“If the case is mild, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. But if there’s a cough, it can take longer to contain the virus,” explains Schwartz. “Because the symptoms are so similar to the common cold, it can be difficult to differentiate RSV from other conditions.” One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration. (Photo via Getty Images)
How is RSV treated?
“In most cases, RSV will go away on its own without any specific medical treatment,” says Schwartz. Additionally, RSV is not treated with antibiotics because they do not work against viruses. However, if you or your child develop pneumonia or bronchitis, they may need to be treated by a healthcare professional, given oxygen, or given another medicine to open the airway. One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration.
How can I prevent RSV?
Because RSV tends to appear in different outbreaks during the fall and winter months, it can be difficult to prevent anyone from getting the virus — especially children. Children’s facilities such as nurseries and preschools are higher risk locations and because the virus can remain on surfaces for hours, it is easily spread from person to person. That said, there are ways to reduce one’s risk of getting RSV.
Make sure to wash their hands often with soap and water Do not go out if you feel sick or avoid people who are sick Don’t share items that could easily transfer germs, such as cups, cutlery or clothing Throw used tissues in the trash immediately Wear a mask
“There are very basic things we can do to help prevent RSV, like washing our hands and staying home when we’re sick, but not everyone does them,” says Schwartz. “This year, more than ever, take precautions for your health and that of other people.” Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
title: “Rsv Cases On The Rise In Canada Symptoms And Treatment Explained " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-19” author: “Miguel Johnson”
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified physician before engaging in any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is on the rise in Canada. And while the virus is usually known to affect children, adults can also become infected. Recently, many US hospitals have reported being “overwhelmed” by a wave of pediatric RSV cases. Now, Canada’s emergency rooms are starting to see an increase in the contagious virus. But how does this affect adults? In an interview with Yahoo Canada, Laurie Schwartz, an independent respiratory researcher at the Healthcare Alliance, says the current increase in RSV cases is “alarming.”
Can adults get RSV?
“It’s so contagious, and we usually see it in kids because they’re in public places like schools where it’s very easy to spread the virus,” explains Schwartz. “…However, adults can just as easily be carriers of the virus and pass it on to their children or someone else’s children, and so a downward spiral ensues,” he adds. “A lot of adults can have the virus without knowing it, because it hits adults more mildly, so we brush it off as a big deal. But for kids, it’s more serious.” Despite being known as a children’s virus, RSV can also affect adults. (Photo via Getty Images)
RSV in Canada: The need to know
Public Health Canada has noted a large number of cases across much of the country (particularly in Quebec) at a time when many Canadian hospitals are already experiencing long wait times and capacity issues. The agency’s most recent Respiratory Virus Report said RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year.” Cases are only predicted to rise as the country enters its first cold and flu season without COVID-19 measures and restrictions. Read on to learn more about RSV, its symptoms, and how you can prevent the virus. The story continues RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year,” according to Public Health Canada. (Photo via Getty Images)
What is RSV?
According to the National Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, RSV is a virus that infects the respiratory tract (ie, the lungs and airways). Although RSV can affect anyone of any age, it is most common in infants and children. In fact, it is so common that by the age of two, most infants and children have been infected with some form of RSV. RSV can be life-threatening, especially for infants and older adults with a history of congestive heart failure, asthma, or other breathing problems. However, it is usually a mild condition that resolves on its own. If the virus persists, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as pneumonia or bronchitis – inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. “In my career I’ve seen a lot of kids with RSV, and for the most part it’s pretty manageable. However, that doesn’t mean we should relax about it. If a kid’s never been sick before, you just never know how they might react to RSV virus,” says Schwartz. RSV outbreaks tend to start in late fall and last until early spring. However, cases tend to peak during the winter months. “With cold and flu season on the way, and fewer and fewer people wearing masks, I can totally see RSV cases going up,” Schwartz adds. “…And this also applies to adults, wear your masks, wash your hands, because you can be a carrier of the virus too.” Runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of RSV. (Photo via Getty Images)
What are the symptoms of RSV?
According to the Canadian Lung Association, RSV mostly causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and fever. Additionally, there are warning signs that may mean a patient has a more severe case of RSV. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
Blue lips or fingernails Whistling Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing A deeper or more frequent cough Dehydration In infants, difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding
“If the case is mild, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. But if there’s a cough, it can take longer to contain the virus,” explains Schwartz. “Because the symptoms are so similar to the common cold, it can be difficult to differentiate RSV from other conditions.” One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration. (Photo via Getty Images)
How is RSV treated?
“In most cases, RSV will go away on its own without any specific medical treatment,” says Schwartz. Additionally, RSV is not treated with antibiotics because they do not work against viruses. However, if you or your child develop pneumonia or bronchitis, they may need to be treated by a healthcare professional, given oxygen, or given another medicine to open the airway. One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration.
How can I prevent RSV?
Because RSV tends to appear in different outbreaks during the fall and winter months, it can be difficult to prevent anyone from getting the virus — especially children. Children’s facilities such as nurseries and preschools are higher risk locations and because the virus can remain on surfaces for hours, it is easily spread from person to person. That said, there are ways to reduce one’s risk of getting RSV.
Make sure to wash their hands often with soap and water Do not go out if you feel sick or avoid people who are sick Don’t share items that could easily transfer germs, such as cups, cutlery or clothing Throw used tissues in the trash immediately Wear a mask
“There are very basic things we can do to help prevent RSV, like washing our hands and staying home when we’re sick, but not everyone does them,” says Schwartz. “This year, more than ever, take precautions for your health and that of other people.” Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
title: “Rsv Cases On The Rise In Canada Symptoms And Treatment Explained " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-23” author: “Janet Wells”
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified physician before engaging in any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is on the rise in Canada. And while the virus is usually known to affect children, adults can also become infected. Recently, many US hospitals have reported being “overwhelmed” by a wave of pediatric RSV cases. Now, Canada’s emergency rooms are starting to see an increase in the contagious virus. But how does this affect adults? In an interview with Yahoo Canada, Laurie Schwartz, an independent respiratory researcher at the Healthcare Alliance, says the current increase in RSV cases is “alarming.”
Can adults get RSV?
“It’s so contagious, and we usually see it in kids because they’re in public places like schools where it’s very easy to spread the virus,” explains Schwartz. “…However, adults can just as easily be carriers of the virus and pass it on to their children or someone else’s children, and so a downward spiral ensues,” he adds. “A lot of adults can have the virus without knowing it, because it hits adults more mildly, so we brush it off as a big deal. But for kids, it’s more serious.” Despite being known as a children’s virus, RSV can also affect adults. (Photo via Getty Images)
RSV in Canada: The need to know
Public Health Canada has noted a large number of cases across much of the country (particularly in Quebec) at a time when many Canadian hospitals are already experiencing long wait times and capacity issues. The agency’s most recent Respiratory Virus Report said RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year.” Cases are only predicted to rise as the country enters its first cold and flu season without COVID-19 measures and restrictions. Read on to learn more about RSV, its symptoms, and how you can prevent the virus. The story continues RSV activity “is above expected levels for this time of year,” according to Public Health Canada. (Photo via Getty Images)
What is RSV?
According to the National Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, RSV is a virus that infects the respiratory tract (ie, the lungs and airways). Although RSV can affect anyone of any age, it is most common in infants and children. In fact, it is so common that by the age of two, most infants and children have been infected with some form of RSV. RSV can be life-threatening, especially for infants and older adults with a history of congestive heart failure, asthma, or other breathing problems. However, it is usually a mild condition that resolves on its own. If the virus persists, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as pneumonia or bronchitis – inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. “In my career I’ve seen a lot of kids with RSV, and for the most part it’s pretty manageable. However, that doesn’t mean we should relax about it. If a kid’s never been sick before, you just never know how they might react to RSV virus,” says Schwartz. RSV outbreaks tend to start in late fall and last until early spring. However, cases tend to peak during the winter months. “With cold and flu season on the way, and fewer and fewer people wearing masks, I can totally see RSV cases going up,” Schwartz adds. “…And this also applies to adults, wear your masks, wash your hands, because you can be a carrier of the virus too.” Runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of RSV. (Photo via Getty Images)
What are the symptoms of RSV?
According to the Canadian Lung Association, RSV mostly causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and fever. Additionally, there are warning signs that may mean a patient has a more severe case of RSV. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
Blue lips or fingernails Whistling Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing A deeper or more frequent cough Dehydration In infants, difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding
“If the case is mild, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. But if there’s a cough, it can take longer to contain the virus,” explains Schwartz. “Because the symptoms are so similar to the common cold, it can be difficult to differentiate RSV from other conditions.” One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration. (Photo via Getty Images)
How is RSV treated?
“In most cases, RSV will go away on its own without any specific medical treatment,” says Schwartz. Additionally, RSV is not treated with antibiotics because they do not work against viruses. However, if you or your child develop pneumonia or bronchitis, they may need to be treated by a healthcare professional, given oxygen, or given another medicine to open the airway. One of the only ways to treat RSV is through supportive care at home, such as rest and hydration.
How can I prevent RSV?
Because RSV tends to appear in different outbreaks during the fall and winter months, it can be difficult to prevent anyone from getting the virus — especially children. Children’s facilities such as nurseries and preschools are higher risk locations and because the virus can remain on surfaces for hours, it is easily spread from person to person. That said, there are ways to reduce one’s risk of getting RSV.
Make sure to wash their hands often with soap and water Do not go out if you feel sick or avoid people who are sick Don’t share items that could easily transfer germs, such as cups, cutlery or clothing Throw used tissues in the trash immediately Wear a mask
“There are very basic things we can do to help prevent RSV, like washing our hands and staying home when we’re sick, but not everyone does them,” says Schwartz. “This year, more than ever, take precautions for your health and that of other people.” Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
