Everywhere you turn, someone is coughing. People are talking about flu, COVID-19 and the new RSV vaccines. For those of you who have asked whether you should get the new vaccine or not, this one is for you.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus that usually causes mild, common cold symptoms. It may be serious for infants and the elderly. Infants less than 6 months old, premature, history of lung or heart disease or weakened immune system are at higher risk. Even healthy babies are more susceptible because their immune systems are not fully formed and their lungs are not fully developed.
Older age alone (older people lose immunity) and elderly people with heart and lung disease, weakened immunity, other underlying health problems and those who live in long-term facilities are high-risk also. Infants and elderly can become seriously ill, hospitalized and die.
