Real Talk

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Not Your Typical Flu

by Kevyn Gohu
June 26, 2024

What looks like a common flu may actually be the Respiratory Syncytial Virus! Here’s what we know.

While thankfully it doesn’t seem to be as fast as COVID-19, we can’t let our guard down against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Originally reported to only affect babies, new studies have popped up with more disturbing results: even senior citizens, our grandparents, are also at risk. Especially those who have co-morbidities, reveals Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Rontgene Solante.

And although babies are easily brought to the hospital, senior citizens… not so much.

From Left: Ms. SoYoung Seo, General Manager of GSK Philippines, Dr. Lourdes Dumlao, Geriatrics Expert, Dr. Lenora Fernandez, Pulmonology Expert, Dr. Rontgene Solante, Infectious Disease Expert, Ms. Nanette Inventor, Artist and Educator, Dr. Gio Barangan Country Medical Director of GSK Philippines and Mr. Richard Arboleda, Communications, Government Affairs and Market Access Lead of GSK Philippines

Dealing with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and investing health

Treating senior citizens is like playing a biological version of Jenga. One wrong move and everything comes tumbling down – the potential and pre-existing pulmonary (both heart and lungs) issues due to age alongside the resistance and fear of going to the hospital make it challenging to have senior citizens treated. After all, some – if not most senior citizens – associate going to the hospital with death.

“But the key to making sure they’re comfortable with having a routine health check-up is to make sure they have a hand in the decision-making,” reveals Geriatric Dr. Lourdes Dumlao. “Giving them a sense of control and remembering: if they were willing to do this for you when you were children, it’s time we reciprocate in kind.”

Especially since the Respiratory Syncytial Virus currently has no targeted treatment and the tests are quite pricy, prevention is often better than cure. There’s an available vaccine for it, fortunately.

However, this doesn’t mean we can’t address the symptoms that RSV presents. Colds, coughs, low-grade fevers, and wheezing – there are existing medicines and lifestyle changes to address these. That way, the body can focus more on fighting off the virus since there’s no dedicated anti-virals.

Nanette Inventor

Holistic treatment: A balanced lifestyle

When caring for senior citizens, we shouldn’t forget that the change of lifestyle isn’t something they’ll just accept. They are far more aware of their own mortality as they add more pills into their pill box or restrict themselves from more food, leaving them vulnerable to mental illnesses that can increase their levels of cortisol. The former, being a steroid and hormone, suppresses the immune system which makes senior citizens more open to diseases.

Keeping them happy and letting them have a hand in changing their lifestyle – these both are important in making sure our senior citizens don’t get Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).