With RSV cases on the rise in children, can adults contract the illness?

Greene County Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Laurie Connolly says yes adults can get RSV, however, it is mainly a common cold-like illness with mostly upper respiratory issues such as nasal congestion and a sore throat. Dr. Connolly points out when RSV could become critical for adults is if they are elderly and other health issues, such as severe asthma, lung disease, emphysema, among others.

“So it would be incredibly uncommon for an adult to die from RSV. But again there are those people who have any kind of cold virus, upper respiratory virus, can be fatal if it turns into a secondary pneumonia, if it activates their COPD.”  

Dr. Connolly advises that if someone with an underlying condition isn’t acting or feeling well, seek medical help.

“If their COPD is acted up, we’ve got them on an anti-inflammatory antibiotic, we’ve got to get them on a steroid for their COPD. There’s no treatment for the RSV but we need to take care of their underlying medical issue that’s going to cause them problems.”    

Dr. Connolly adds the medical center may not test for RSV in adults, but they can treat a patient who has underlying health conditions.