Answers to Your Coronavirus Questions: Long Covid, Boosters and More
Treating Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) In Older Adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection that affects your respiratory tract. That's your breathing passages, including your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. Most of the time, it feels like a mild cold. But if you're older or have certain health problems, it can be dangerous or even deadly.
There's no specific treatment for RSV. But there are things you can do to stay safe and manage your symptoms while the virus runs its course.
How Serious Is RSV?RSV makes the rounds every year from the fall through the spring. It's hard to know exactly how many people get it. You may assume you have a cold, and doctors don't test for it very often. But researchers have estimated that more than 177,000 people over the age of 65 end up in the hospital with RSV every year, and 14,000 die from it.
For most people, symptoms are mild. They start about 5 days after you're infected and include:
If your condition gets worse, you may have trouble breathing. Or you might wheeze when you breathe.
Most people are only sick for a week or two. But some people get more serious cases of RSV or complications.
What Are the Complications of RSV?RSV can be dangerous if you're older or have certain health problems. As you age, your immune system doesn't work as well. You have a harder time fighting off any illness, including RSV. The virus can lead to inflammation in your lungs or a lung infection, like pneumonia.
If you have certain other illnesses, RSV can make those symptoms worse. You should be more concerned about getting RSV if you have:
The virus is also more dangerous if your immune system is already weak from things like cancer treatment, an organ transplant, or a disease like HIV.
When Should You Call the Doctor?There are certain signs that you may need medical attention for your RSV infection. Call your doctor if:
If you are having trouble breathing or your skin is turning blue, call 911 and get medical help right away.
How Do You Treat RSV?RSV could land you in the hospital. There are no treatments right now that work on the disease itself. But you might need extra oxygen or even a machine to help you breathe. People who have a lung disease like COPD sometimes get steroids or other medicines to open their airways. If you're dehydrated, you may get fluids through a needle in your vein.
If you aren't seriously sick, you can manage the virus on your own at home. These self-care steps can make you more comfortable while you recover:
You won't normally get antibiotics unless you have a bacterial infection – like pneumonia – along with RSV. RSV is a virus, and an antibiotic won't help stop it.
How Can You Prevent RSV?Both vaccines used against RSV are FDA-approved for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in adults who are 60 or older. Still, the best treatment for RSV may be to avoid getting it in the first place. Doctors suggest the same good hygiene habits that protect you from many kinds of infections:
Infectious disease experts say the way to keep older people safe from RSV complications is to come up with a vaccine to prevent it. Several kinds of vaccines are in the late stages of clinical trials.
What It's Like To Have RSV As An Older Adult
What You Need to Know About RSV in Older AdultsTom, a GSK patient advocate
Like many adults over 60, Tom, a patient advocate for GSK, was unfamiliar with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) when he tested positive for the common, contagious respiratory virus in the fall of 2022. "I drove my 5-year-old grandson to school one morning and noticed he had a cough. A couple of days later, I started coughing too." Then, his grandson tested positive for RSV. "But while he got better, my cough just kept getting worse." When he couldn't catch his breath, Tom went to the hospital.
Nearly 177,000 adults 65 years and older in the US are hospitalized with RSV each year, and data suggest adults 60 and older are at an increased risk for severe RSV infection. There is no specific treatment for RSV. Tom was sent home with medications to help manage his symptoms, but his cough persisted. And it felt like no matter how hard he coughed, he couldn't clear the congestion in his lungs.
He visited the hospital twice more and learned that the RSV had spread to his lower respiratory tract. However, back at home, he found he couldn't complete his daily tasks and needed to sit down and rest more often than usual. "RSV really interrupted my life."
RSV: A risk for older adultsMost people are aware that RSV can affect babies and young children. However, older adults like Tom are also at risk, even if they are relatively healthy.
People aged 60 years and older including those with certain underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic heart failure (CHF), have a greater risk for developing a severe infection from RSV. RSV most commonly spreads during the fall and winter months in most regions of the United States. Symptoms of lung and lower airway infection from RSV can vary from mild to severe, last up to two weeks, and include:
Congestion
Cough
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
RSV can spread when droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze travel through the air and make their way into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Preventing the spread of RSV can include hand washing, keeping hands away from your face, or avoiding close contact with anyone who has symptoms of RSV.
You'll also want to avoid contact with anyone who has a current infection with RSV as they are usually contagious for three to eight days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you're 60 years of age or older, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated against RSV. AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is the first FDA-approved RSV vaccine to help prevent lung and lower airway infection from RSV in people 60 and older. The CDC recommends that adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccination, based on a discussion with their healthcare provider.
What is AREXVY?AREXVY is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people 60 years of age and older.
Important Safety Information for AREXVYYou should not receive AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredients
Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including AREXVY. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury due to fainting
Some people with weakened immune systems may have reduced immune responses to AREXVY
The most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain
Vaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients
Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of AREXVY. Only a healthcare provider can decide if AREXVY is right for you
"I encourage everyone to consult their doctor about RSV vaccination. The illness was just so awful for me. I hope others don't have to experience what I went through." —Tom
In a clinical trial involving adults aged 60 and older, AREXVY was overall 82.6% effective in preventing lung and lower airway infection from RSV. AREXVY was 94.6% effective in preventing lung and lower airway infection from RSV in people aged 60 years and older with underlying conditions: asthma, diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure, advanced liver or kidney disease, or any chronic respiratory/pulmonary disease.
AREXVY is given as a single-dose shot that can be given at the same time as a quadrivalent influenza vaccine. AREXVY is now widely available at all major retail pharmacies, though stocking at individual stores will vary. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist if AREXVY is covered by their insurance.
Tom says he'll receive the vaccine to help protect himself in the future from RSV and hopes that by sharing his experience with RSV, other people will learn about ways to help protect themselves as well. "I encourage everyone to consult their doctor about RSV vaccination," he says. "The illness was just so awful for me, I hope others don't have to experience what I went through."
Talk to your doctor or visit www.AREXVY.Com to learn more.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report vaccine adverse events to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Visit www.Vaers.Hhs.Gov to file a report, or call 1-800-822-7967.
Tom was compensated by GSK for his participation in this program.
Trademarks are property of their respective owners.
©2023 GSK or licensor.RSAWCNT230080 November 2023Produced in USA.
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Homeopathy For Blood Pressure
What is Blood Pressure?Basically, blood pressure refers to the pressure created when the heart pumps out blood, which is essential in order to ensure that the blood reaches all the different parts and tissues of the body properly.
The blood pressure of an individual is measured using an instrument known as sphygmomanometer, and the optimum blood pressure of a human is 120/80 (systolic and diastolic blood pressures). High or low fluctuations in the normal blood pressure can cause health problems, sometimes even life-threatening conditions.
High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure and Blood Pressure Readings
High blood pressure affects millions of people worldwide today, and is currently among the most concerning health conditions. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disorder wherein the blood pressure exceeds beyond normal limits. When the blood pressure of an individual is measured and is found to exceed beyond the 140/90 reading, the individual is said to suffer from high blood pressure.
Conversely, when an individual's blood pressure reading falls below 110/70, the person is said to suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure.Causes of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure fluctuations may arise due to different reasons. Usually, overconsumption of OTC drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, especially when continued for a prolonged period of time, can cause hypertension.
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibitors etc, may also cause an elevation in blood pressure and affect the kidneys as well. Use of tobacco and tobacco-containing products and consumption of alcohol, too, can raise blood pressure. It is also believed that alcohol-induced high blood pressure is more common in women, and intake of caffeine and caffeine containing products may also play a role in elevating blood pressure. In contrast, low blood pressure usually occurs in individuals who aren't fit and too weak and fragile. Pregnant women, too are prone to suffer from low blood pressure. Some other problems including endocrine disorders, heart problems like bradycardia, heart attack, heart failure, dehydration, fatigue, weakness and loss of blood may be linked to low blood pressure. Use of certain drugs like alpha blockers, diuretics, beta blockers etc, may also cause a drop in the blood pressure. Allergic reactions and infections in the body, lack of adequate essential nutrients and use of antidepressant medications for a long period of time is also known to cause low blood pressure in individuals.Symptoms and Signs of Blood Pressure
Most people suffering from high or low blood pressure do not recognize any signs or symptoms, and even if they do, they tend to ignore them.
Most commonly, people having hypertension may experience dizzy spells, headache and are more prone to nosebleeds.
On the other hand, individuals suffering from low blood pressure may experience fainting, fatigue, depression, dizziness, lack of concentration, nausea, thirst and blurred vision.Homeopathy for Blood Pressure
For patients suffering from high blood pressure, homeopathic treatments can be very beneficial, especially if the illness is not very old. Here we've listed some common homeopathic medications that can be used to combat high blood pressure and low blood pressure.
Homeopathic medications for high blood pressure:
Belladona: Belladona is known for its efficacy in treating high blood pressure, and shows remarkable improvement in individuals having an accelerated pulse rate, dilated pupils and flushed face.
Aconitum: Aconitum is a useful homeopathic remedy particularly for patients who suffer from high blood pressure which occurs suddenly, and when the patient is constantly faced by a fear of dying. Nux Vomica: Nux Vomica is effective in lowering down high blood pressure arising due to overeating.Lycopodium: Lycopodium, too, is a general, effective homeopathic remedy for patients suffering from high blood pressure.
Ignatia: High blood pressure arising due to emotional upset, anger, grief etc can be treated effectively using Ignatia.
Lachesis: Lachesis is a homeopathic remedy which is particularly effective in treating high blood pressure occurring during menopause.
Homeopathic Medications for Low Blood Pressure:
Conium: Conium is a homeopathic remedy that helps specifically older patients suffering from low blood pressure and whose body has become weak and the organs of the body don't function to the optimum level.
Digitalis: This is an effective homeopathic remedy for patients suffering from heart problems, irregular and very slow pulse, shortness of breath and fatigue.Calcarea phos: Calcarea phos is an effective homeopathic treatment for weak, tired and exhausted individuals.
Kalmia: Kalmia may prove to be a good homeopathic remedy for patients suffering from low blood pressure.
Prevention of Blood PressureEating natural foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best and easiest way to manage blood pressure for both-patients suffering from hypertension or hypotension. Obesity and lack of physical activity are major culprits behind high blood pressure; which is why, losing weight and exercising regularly can help you manage blood pressure.
Reducing the sodium content and eating more natural, organic foods can be yet another effective way to manage blood pressure. Cutting down alcohol and nicotine consumption may also help patients lower their blood pressure levels naturally.
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