In our latest video, “What is RSV?”, we kick off a new series with Dr. Chan Fei, Charles, Specialist in Geriatric medicine and Dr. Jimmy Mak, Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, focused on an often-overlooked but highly contagious virus—Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). If you’ve been experiencing a runny nose, cough, and fever lately, you might think it’s just a cold or even the flu. However, RSV is the real culprit, and it’s particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly.

What is RSV?

RSV is a respiratory virus that spreads easily through the air and direct contact, causing infections in the lungs and breathing passages. While it can present mild symptoms similar to a cold or the flu, it can be far more severe for those in high-risk groups, such as young children and the elderly. In fact, RSV is one of the leading causes of respiratory illness in babies and the elderly, with over 30 million global cases last year, including many in infants and senior citizens.

Symptoms of RSV

RSV symptoms can last up to two weeks and often include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

While many of these symptoms might remind you of a common cold or flu, RSV has a unique ability to affect the lower respiratory system, causing complications like pneumonia or worsening conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Who is at Risk?

RSV is particularly dangerous for certain populations:

• Infants (especially those under 6 months old) and preterm babies.
• Babies with congenital heart disease or lung conditions.
• Children with weakened immune systems, such as children undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.
• Elderly individuals over 60 years old have certain chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, or they live in nursing homes.
• Those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV, cancer, or those undergoing chemotherapy.

For these high-risk groups, RSV can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and even death.

How Does RSV Differ from Other Respiratory Illnesses?

While RSV shares common symptoms with other respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, it’s particularly serious for vulnerable groups. RSV can cause serious respiratory distress and, can lead to hospitalization or even life-threatening conditions.

Conclusion

RSV is a viral infection that should not be underestimated, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly. If you or a loved one starts to experience symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice early to avoid complications. Stay informed and stay safe!

What’s Next?

In our next episode, we’ll dive deeper into the impact of RSV on infants and discuss preventive measures that can help keep your little ones safe. Stay tuned and don’t miss it!

Want to learn more about the latest trends in employee benefits and how to overcome these challenges?

At GUM, we understand that employee health is closely linked to workplace productivity. In today’s job market, a comprehensive corporate employee benefits plan is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Such plans boost employee morale, productivity, and loyalty while reducing absenteeism and turnover. They also strengthen your employer brand by providing financial security and creating a supportive work environment. However, the rising claims rates and increasing demands from vendors make it challenging to offer competitive benefits while keeping premiums manageable. Balancing these factors is essential for creating a benefits plan that is both attractive and cost-effective.

As your employee benefits consultant, GUM ensures sustainable benefits plans by analyzing claims and utilization patterns. We offer flexible benefits solutions that allow employees to choose the benefits that best suit their needs. We focus on designing corporate insurance plans that align with your company’s strategy and goals.

Expert of the Day：

Dr. Chan Fei, Charles

Specialist in Geriatric medicine

Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor,
The University of Hong Kong

• MBBS (HK)
• MRCP (UK)
• FHKAM (Medicine)
• FHKCP
• Dip Ger Med RCPS (Glasg)

Expert of the Day：

Dr. Jimmy Mak

Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology

• MBBS (HK)
• MRCOG (UK)
• FHKCOG
• FHKAM (O&G)