For the Tomahawk Leader

ONEIDA COUNTY – The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) recently shared information about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“With respiratory illness season underway, it is important to understand illnesses that will be circulating in our community,” OCHD said, noting that RSV is one such illness.

OCHD said RSV is a common, contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.

Symptoms of RSV include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, tiredness and shortness of breath or trouble breathing.

RSV can have an impact on individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or congestive heart failure (CHF), OCHD noted.

OCHD offered following tips to prevent RSV:

• Washing your hands.
• Keeping your hands off your face.
• Avoiding close contact with sick people.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around you.
• Staying home when you’re feeling sick.

“Vaccination is available to help protect older adults against RSV,” OCHD stated. “Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn if RSV vaccination is right for you.”

For more information on RSV, visit www.rsvandme.com/; www.cdc.gov/rsv/; or www.oneidacountypublichealth.org.