Why all the Talk about RSV?

My wife and I just returned from a one-week cruise in the Caribbean where I served as the cruise ship rabbi for Hanukkah. It was very relaxing and a lot of fun as well. Great weather too!

One of the things that I noticed on the cruise was a heightened sense of hygiene on the ship. When we sailed in Alaska in 2019 (pre-pandemic), there was an emphasis on washing hands to prevent RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) which had become common on cruise ships. On this vessel, we were reminded to wash hands before every meal (“washy-washy!”) and there were hand sanitizer dispensers all over the ship. Very few people wore masks, except for those handling food.

So, did I bring back any souvenirs from our trip? Well, yes. RSV. Despite my washing, I managed to pick up the virus. A few days into the trip I started to feel a little sniffly, but I attributed it to the change in climate from the cold weather of Cleveland to the heat of the tropics. By the day we came home, I had a runny nose. On the flights home my ears popped and, five days later, they are still plugged up; do not worry, as I see an ENT later today.

What are some of the symptoms of RSV? They include fever, severe cough, wheezing, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, and even a bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis). I experienced a sore throat as well but mostly displayed the runny nose and cough. I saw a doctor on Tuesday to see about my ears, and she recommended a COVID test (negative) and a RSV test (positive). I have been isolating at home–training clients via Zoom–and wearing a mask when I need to go out.

There is a new vaccine out for RSV for those over 60. According to the CDC, RSV sends as many as 160,000 people over the age of 65 to the hospital each year and results in about 10,000 deaths. For a virus that was most common in young children, the last 20 years has seen an impact equal to that of the flu in older adults according to Dr. William Shaffner of Vanderbilt University’s School of Medicine. Should all older adults get the RSV vaccine? Dr. Chad Nielsen of University of Florida Health in Jacksonville suggests that most healthy adults who are not immunocompromised and do not have other comorbities should be able to fight off RSV without a vaccine. Others should definitely talk with their physicians about whether the vaccine would be a good idea.

In the meantime, I will keep hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid cold, dry air; these are thought to help minimize the effects of the virus. Pain relievers and other over-the-counter symptom relievers are also on hand. 

It was a great cruise; perhaps on my next one I will just bring back a t-shirt instead!