Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

RSV is a leading cause of respiratory infections worldwide. It can occur in all age groups, but mostly affects infants and young children, often causing mild to severe respiratory symptoms.

In healthy adults, RSV may appear as a common cold, but for vulnerable people, particularly adults with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, it can lead to a more severe illness.

How does RSV spread?

RSV has distinct seasonal patterns, with outbreaks typically occurring during autumn and throughout the winter months, just like many other cold and flu viruses.

The spread of RSV happens mostly through droplets that go through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also survive on surfaces, making indirect spread possible through contact with contaminated objects. This means that RSV can spread quickly.

Risk factors and vulnerable populations.

While anyone can contract RSV, certain groups face a higher risk of severe illness. These include:

• Infants born prematurely
• Infants younger than six months
• Older adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart defects, and diabetes.

Symptoms and complications

The signs of RSV infection can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress. In infants and young children, symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and fever. In older adults, RSV infection may worsen existing respiratory conditions (such as asthma), which could lead to pneumonia and other serious complications that need hospital care.

Management

If you suspect you have Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and you also live with diabetes, it's essential to take prompt action to manage both conditions effectively.

• As soon as you start to feel unwell start checking your glucose (and ketone levels if you have type 1 diabetes) more often. This could mean checking every 1 to 4 hours day and night as per your sick day plan and diabetes team instructions.
• Follow your diabetes sick day plan and let your diabetes team and/or GP know that you are unwell. It's important to receive guidance tailored to your specific medical needs.
• Keep taking your insulin injections according to your diabetes sick day plan. If you take other diabetes medications, talk to your diabetes team or GP about what to do while you are unwell.
• Make sure you have a family member or friend who is able to stay with you and help while you are unwell.
• Stay hydrated
  Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Dehydration may worsen the effects of RSV.
• Manage symptoms
  Follow your healthcare team’s recommendations for managing RSV symptoms. This might include rest, over-the-counter medications for fever and discomfort (if appropriate), and respiratory treatments such as saline nasal sprays or humidifiers to ease congestion.
• Maintain good hygiene practices
  Practice good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of spreading RSV. This includes washing your hands often, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with others.
• Watch for complications
  Be vigilant for any signs of worsening symptoms or complications, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent high blood glucose levels or increasing ketone levels. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.
• Follow recovery guidelines
  Once you've recovered from RSV, gradually resume your normal activities and diabetes management routine. It may take some time for your energy levels to return to normal, so be patient with yourself and prioritise self-care during the recovery process.

Top Tips

1. Update your vaccinations – influenza for the current flu season, COVID booster.
2. Find your diabetes sick day plan and make sure it’s easy to refer to if you need to.
3. Talk to your diabetes team about updating your diabetes sick day plan if you haven’t done so recently.

Always consult with your diabetes healthcare team for personalised guidance and recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.