The 62-year-old Jacky Cheung announced on social platforms last month that he was infected with RSV and was forced to cancel three concerts in Taiwan. The full name of RSV is "Respiratory Syncytial Virus". It is a virus that is highly contagious throughout the year. The peak period of infection is from July to September.

The incubation period of RSV ranges from 1 to 10 days, and symptoms usually begin on the 5th to 7th day. Initial symptoms of RSV infection include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, and cough. It sounds like a cold, so don't worry? No! Over time, people infected with RSV may develop body aches, fatigue, decreased appetite, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

Who are the high-risk groups? 

If you are the following people, you may be more likely to develop serious complications after being infected with RSV, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. Data show that RSV infection is the second leading cause of death among elderly patients hospitalized with viral respiratory infections¹.

• Seniors aged 60 or above

• Diabetics

• Asthma patients

• Coronary artery disease patients

• COPD patients

• Chronic heart failure patients

How to prevent RSV?

The RSV virus is transmitted through secretions or droplets. In addition, it may also be transmitted indirectly through hands, tableware or objects that have come into contact with patient secretions. To prevent infection, remember and implement the following 3 tips!

Tip 1: Maintain good personal hygiene

Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if you have symptoms such as coughing or need to go to the hospital. Remember to wear the mask correctly, the mask size should be correct to cover the mouth and nose, and clean your hands before and after wearing it.

Also, do not share eating utensils, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, dispose of it properly in a covered trash can and wash your hands. We also need to ensure we get enough rest and eat properly to better maintain our body’s immunity.

Tip 2: Keep the environment hygienic

Keep the environment ventilated and allow air to circulate. At the same time, you can also frequently disinfect some frequently touched surfaces, such as furniture surfaces, door handles, keys, etc.

Tip 3: Inject RSV vaccine

For seniors aged 60 or above, vaccination is the best preventive measure. AREXVY lung-protecting vaccine is the first and only approved RSV vaccine in Hong Kong. It has an efficiency of 82.6% in preventing lower respiratory tract diseases caused by RSV. If the elderly also suffer from diabetes, asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), any chronic respiratory or lung disease, advanced liver or kidney disease (endocrine and metabolic conditions), the protection rate can be as high as 94.6%.

At present, at re:Health, elderly aged 65 or above only need to present their Hong Kong ID card or registration exemption certificate to receive the RSV vaccine using the "Elderly Health Care Voucher". Don’t let yourself regret being infected with RSV. Make an appointment now to add protection to the elderly in your family!

<Make Appointment>

¹ Chan PKS;Medicine;2015;94;1-11

Disclaimer: This article is prepared by an independent third party and is not sponsored. The content provided is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any specific viewpoint. In the event of any discomfort or health issues, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.