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As the cooler months descend, so too do the familiar sniffles, coughs, and fevers. While many winter ailments might seem like minor inconveniences, understanding the viruses behind them and how to protect ourselves and our loved ones is crucial. This season, letS delve into the world of respiratory viruses, from the increasingly discussed RSV to the ever-present common cold.
understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Though, it can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
RSV in Infants and Young Children
For babies and young children, RSV can lead to more severe illness, such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs). Symptoms can include a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.In severe cases, infants may have difficulty breathing and require hospitalization.
Protecting Infants:
The Australian government has recently recommended an RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals. Administering this vaccine during pregnancy can provide passive immunity to the infant, protecting them from severe RSV disease in their first few months of life. This is a critically important advancement in infant respiratory health.
RSV in Older Adults
RSV can also pose a significant risk to older adults,particularly those with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions like lung disease,heart disease,or diabetes.Symptoms in older adults can include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Vaccination for Older Adults:
Two RSV vaccines are now available for older adults: Arexvy and Abrysvo. A single dose is recommended for:
Everyone aged 75 and over.
Individuals over 60 who are at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over.
While thes vaccines are not currently subsidised by the government, they cost approximately $300 and offer protection that lasts for at least three years.
The Ubiquitous Common Cold
While viruses like COVID, RSV, and influenza frequently enough dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread respiratory invaders: the common cold.
What Causes the Common Cold?
The common cold is not caused by a single virus but by a vast array of over 200 different viruses. The most frequent culprits are rhinoviruses, but other viruses like certain coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and enteroviruses can also be responsible.
Symptoms and Duration
Typical symptoms of a cold include a runny or blocked nose,sore throat,coughing,sneezing,headache,tiredness,and sometimes a mild fever. Children tend to catch more colds, averaging 6-8 per year, while adults typically experience 2-4. Fortunately, most colds resolve within a week with adequate rest, plenty of fluids, and perhaps some over-the-counter remedies.
The Elusive Cold Vaccine
Developing a vaccine for the common cold has proven exceptionally challenging. This is due to the sheer number of different viruses that cause colds, coupled with their constant ability to mutate. while researchers continue to explore potential solutions, a global vaccine for the common cold remains an elusive goal.
How to Protect Yourself and Others This Winter
The precautions we became familiar with during the COVID-19 pandemic remain highly effective for preventing the spread of winter respiratory viruses. these viruses are primarily airborne and can be transmitted through:
Coughing and sneezing. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
Effective Prevention Strategies:
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Cough Etiquette: Teach children (and adults!) to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.
Masking: Consider wearing a high-quality mask if you are at high risk of severe illness or are in crowded indoor settings.
Stay home When Unwell: If you develop respiratory symptoms, rest at home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Consider Testing: Rapid antigen tests, often called panel tests, are now available that can detect influenza (A or B), COVID-1
