[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report] Recently, before singing at the Taipei Arena, singer Jacky Cheung was shocked to be infected with RSV and had to cancel the concert. Respiratory-related viruses sometimes flourish and sometimes fall silent, but they are present at any time, and you may be infected if you are not careful; "The Master on Health" explains RSV, influenza and the new coronavirus (Covid-19), and reminds the public to wash hands frequently and wear masks in public to prevent bringing the virus home and causing family infections.
Huang Jianxian, an infectious disease physician at Sun Kong Hospital, said that respiratory fusion virus is an RNA virus with an outer layer wrapped in protein. During infection, the protein will "fuse" with human cells and infect the respiratory tract.
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This virus and other viruses can infect the respiratory tract. Symptoms include cough, runny nose and fever. The difference is that it is easily transmitted within the family, and it is easy to get sick in children and the elderly. In children, the disease may cause asthma, making a whistling sound when breathing, and making it difficult to fall asleep at night. Elderly people are also prone to respiratory obstruction after infection, which increases the risk of pneumonia. Therefore, in addition to young children, the elderly and those with low immunity must take active precautions.
If infected in generally healthy adults, only symptoms can be treated; however, newborns and high-risk young children can use immune globulin provided by the state. There is currently a self-funded RSV vaccine for adults. If administered to the elderly or high-risk groups after evaluation, it can reduce the infection rate and relieve symptoms after infection.
At the same time, the new coronavirus is always changing and waiting. Hong Ziren, deputy director of Shin Kong Hospital, said that for the elderly and those with low immunity, the risk is still quite high. Hong Ziren appealed not to be overly nervous, because although the infection rate of the new coronavirus is currently rising, the mortality rate of severe cases is declining. Hong Ziren reminded the elderly, chronically ill patients, and people with low immunity that if they are infected, they may still develop severe illness. Therefore, these people should get the new crown vaccine as soon as possible and wear masks on their own, especially those with cold symptoms.
Finally, Huang Jianxian said that influenza is the same as COVID-19 and RSV. It is also spread through respiratory droplets and contact, and can cause similar respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever and muscle aches. Since the initial symptoms of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar, if people go to medical institutions with symptoms such as fever and respiratory discomfort, doctors will not only ask people to do rapid COVID-19 screening on their own, but will also assist in influenza screening to facilitate differential diagnosis.
Huang Jianxian said that in the past, some manufacturers wanted to develop a two-in-one vaccine, but it was extremely difficult. Therefore, the current method is to inoculate different vaccines at different parts at the same time, such as "Left Liu Youxin" is an example.
If you think you are infected, Huang Jianxian reminded that if you have respiratory symptoms, you can use a home rapid screen to screen yourself; or go to the hospital for a flu screening. If you belong to a high-risk group, doctors will prescribe antiviral drugs depending on the situation. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as fever that lasts for 48 hours, feeling breathless when breathing, or blood oxygen less than 94, the doctor will confirm whether you have pneumonia and whether you need to be hospitalized.
During the past epidemic, most people were familiar with the use of rapid screening. If the home rapid screening purchased during the epidemic is expired, it may produce "false negatives", that is, the infection cannot be detected. It is recommended not to use it anymore. It is better to use a rapid screening within the validity period.
Although the epidemic has passed, the virus has not disappeared. Especially if people do not wear masks, they may bring the virus home and cause family infections. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a mask frequently when going out, wash hands frequently, and seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you have symptoms.
