Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. While often associated with severe illness in infants, RSV can also significantly affect adults, from mild cold-like symptoms to more severe conditions requiring hospitalization. This article clarifies how RSV manifests in adults, focusing on the cough and other accompanying symptoms to aid recognition.
Understanding RSV in Adults
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus, circulating widely during fall and winter months. While many adults experience RSV as a mild cold, it can cause more serious illness, especially in older individuals or those with underlying health conditions. The virus primarily affects the respiratory system, causing inflammation in the airways, from the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, sinuses) to the lower respiratory tract (lungs).
Adults contract RSV through close contact, inhaling respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. It also spreads via contaminated surfaces, then touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Most healthy adults recover within one to two weeks, but vulnerable populations may develop complications like pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
The Distinctive Sound of an RSV Cough
The RSV cough in adults varies. Initially, it may be a dry, hacking cough, similar to a common cold. As the infection progresses into the lower airways, the cough can become wet and productive, indicating mucus presence due to inflammation and increased mucus production within the lungs.
In more severe cases, an RSV cough may include wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during exhalation, or crackling sounds. These indicate narrowed or inflamed airways. The cough is often persistent, worsening at night and impacting sleep quality. While similar to other respiratory illnesses, RSV cough’s sustained nature and severity are key indicators, rather than a singular unique sound.
Additional Symptoms to Monitor
Beyond the characteristic cough, RSV in adults typically presents with a range of other symptoms, many mimicking a common cold or flu. Individuals often experience a runny nose and congestion, which can be among the first signs. A sore throat is also a common complaint.
Low-grade fever, sneezing, and headache are frequently reported. Some individuals may also experience decreased appetite, fatigue, or lethargy. These symptoms, combined with the distinctive cough, provide a more comprehensive clinical picture, aiding in differentiating RSV from other respiratory viruses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most adults recover from RSV without specific medical intervention, but certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a significant warning sign, indicating severe lower respiratory tract infection. Persistent high fever, especially if not responding to over-the-counter medications, should also prompt a call to a healthcare provider.
Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve after one to two weeks. Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or a very dry mouth, also require assessment. Adults with underlying health conditions are at elevated risk for severe RSV complications and should contact their healthcare provider early if they suspect infection. These conditions include:
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Heart disease
Weakened immune system