RSVRespiratory Syncytial VirusRespiratory Syncytial Virusabbreviated toRSV virus), is a common and highly contagious virus, even more harmful than seasonal flu. InfectionRSVAfter respiratory syncytial virus, it damages cells in the ears, nose, and throat. Symptoms can rapidly worsen within a week and lead to severe respiratory symptoms and complications such as lower respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, otitis media, and congestive heart failure.
Over the age of60Elderly people aged [number] or over, or those with chronic illnesses, once infectedRSV Viruses can cause more severe reactions, potentially worsening pre-existing chronic illnesses or requiring hospitalisation. Care homes are common places for the elderly to become infected.RSV The location of virus cases. According to data, among elderly patients admitted to hospital due to viral respiratory infections,RSV Viral infections are the second largest cause of death for them.¹it is clear thatRSVViruses can be quite harmful to the elderly.
Hong KongIt happens all year round.RSV VirusInfectionamong which2月late in the month至9月late in the monthIt's the peak season.RSVViruscan survive on the surface of human skin for approximately30minutes, inPropertyLived on earth for nearly2hours, the main transmission routes include:Cough, sneezeproducedSpittleContact receivedInfectionPropertySurfaceOr directlyContact到Patient secretionsand soRSV VirusViaeyes, nose or mouth，ManyPatients will presentSecondary infection.
RSV infection symptoms
InfectionRSV In the early stages of the virus, patients will only show mild symptoms, similar to those of a cold or flu, including:
- Sneeze
- A runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
However, as the infection progresses, symptoms will also worsen; tracheal constriction是RSVObvious symptoms of viral infectionpatients will experience wheezing, difficulty or shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, and a weakened physical state.and body aches. Elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable if they become infectedRSVAnd the discomfort caused by the virus will be more severe.
High-risk groups for RSV infection
- 60Elderly persons aged [age] or over
- Diabetic
- Asthma sufferers
- Coronary artery disease patients
- Patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic heart failure patients
Treatment for RSV viral infection
In treatmentRSV Viral infectionIn terms of, due to currentThere are no specific cures, so doctors can only provide supportive medication or therapies to help patients alleviate their symptoms. Usually, this can be done1至2Heal within a week.
But ifRSV Viral infection patients are60The elderly aged 65 or over, the immunocompromised, those with chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or those who have undergone organ transplantation, who are considered high-risk, may take a longer time to recover, up to4During the week, doctors also need to pay more attention to maintaining patients' organ function and supporting their immune capacity. If complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, or otitis media occur, patients may even need to take antibiotics.
10 Ways to Prevent RSV Infection
- Wear a mask correctly
- Maintain good personal hygiene: wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your face
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing cutlery
- Regularly clean and disinfect personal and household items: mobile phones, doorknobs, remote controls, furniture, etc.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of it properly in a lidded bin.
- Keep indoor air circulating
- If you have upper respiratory tract symptoms, you should wear a mask, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and avoid going to school, work, or crowded places.
Hong Kong's first RSV vaccine
AREXVYFeverfew lung vaccine is Hong Kong's first and only approvedRSVVaccines, specifically targeting60Prevention of infection in the elderly aged [...] or overRSVRecombinant adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for diseases of the lower respiratory tract caused by virusesRSVVaccine.
This oneRSVThe vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection and requires just one dose to provide protection against60has excellent preventive effects for individuals aged
- PreventionRSVof the lower respiratory tract diseases caused 82.6%
- For individuals with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD）、anyone with chronic respiratory/lung disease, or advanced liver or kidney disease (endocrine-metabolic conditions) at a higher protection rate of94.6%
Receive a $500 medical voucher when you have the RSV vaccine
of age65Elders aged 65 or above can choose any Hong Kong United Christian Medical Service centre and present their Hong Kong Identity Card or certificate of exemption to use their Elderly Health Care Vouchers for payment of vaccination.RSVVaccineAREXVYThe cost of the Pneumococcal vaccine.Book now！
From today until2026年12月31up to and including65eligible Hong Kong elderly aged [age] or above, if cumulatively used within the same year$1,000or above medical vouchers for purposes such as disease prevention and follow-up or monitoring of chronic conditions, for example, vaccinationRSVVaccinations and other preventive injections, medical examinations, health assessments, and prescriptions for preventive medication, etc., meet the requirements of the Department of Health's "Elderly Health Care Voucher Incentive Pilot Scheme" and will be automatically awarded by the system with additional$500Medical voucher rewards. Please inquire at Hong Kong Renhe Medical Examination Centre for details.
¹ Chan PKS;Medicine;2015;94;1-11
Disclaimer: This content is independently written by a third party for informational purposes only, is not sponsored, and cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any stance. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
