North Carolina Surge In This Respiratory Virus Had Me Down For A Week
I consider myself a pretty healthy person. I’m an avid hand washer. And pretty mindful of my surroundings. But a North Carolina surge in this respiratory virus had me down for a week. This is something I have never had in my life.
North Carolina Surge In This Respiratory Virus Had Me Down For A Week
For the past week or so I have been battling RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus. When I told some of my friends about it, they had the first reaction I did and that was “isn’t that a child’s disease”. Well, as I live and breathe, I can tell you most assuredly it is not just a child’s disease. It is a virus that can take you from cold symptoms to in the hospital in a matter of days, maybe even hours. It can affect anyone at any age. My son William had it at just a few months old and it was brutal. He was almost hospitalized. That was years ago and really my only experience with RSV,
RSV first presented to me like a mild tickle in the throat. Irritating but I thought it was just allergies or maybe a cold coming on. The following day the coughing came on, the fatigue, congestion, runny nose etc and I am still thinking, cold. But I just knew this was worse. Much worse. So, I hightailed it to urgent care. There they tested me for the flu’s and the covid’s and RSV. The latter lit up like a Christmas tree.
What Are the Signs And Symptoms Of RSV
According to the website rsvandme.com , the symptoms for RSV are exactly like I described. You will experience the usual respiratory virus suspects including headache, runny nose, cough, congestion, fatigue, nasal pain but RSV can escalate into more serious conditions. Especially in babies and older adults. And you will be contagious for up to 8 days so be precious with who you are around and how.
So, when does RSV rear it’s ugly head the most? According to the Centers for Disease Control it is usually in the fall and winter months but in 2021 had a spring resurgence. Here in North Carolina many are experiencing it especially after large gatherings. I suspect I came into contact with someone(s) after a gathering or around 500 or so people a few days before my symptoms started. And that tells me there are others just like me who came in contact and are now suffering the consequences.
It is highly contagious. RSV can be spread through coughs or sneezes. The virus can also live on hard surfaces. To learn more about how RSV can be transmitted get details from the Center for Disease Control right here.
