RSV still threatens older adults in Moore County

9:16 a.m. Feb. 15, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Spring starts on Friday, March 20, but in Moore County, respiratory illnesses are still common as winter ends. With schools closed on Thursday and Friday due to widespread illness, many families are concerned about health, especially older adults who are at higher risk from seasonal viruses.

While COVID-19 and influenza often dominate the conversation, medical experts warn that another contagious respiratory illness continues to send thousands of seniors to the hospital each year: respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

RSV is often linked to infants and young children, but it can also be very dangerous for seniors. In the United States, each year, RSV causes up to 160,000 hospitalizations among adults age 60-plus and is linked to about 10,000 deaths, according to federal health data.

Now, doctors hope new RSV vaccines will help reduce those numbers.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Public health officials recommend a one-time RSV vaccine for everyone age 75 and older who has not already received it. Adults ages 60 to 74 are also encouraged to consider vaccination if they have underlying health conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

The RSV vaccine is typically administered once, not annually like the flu shot.

Recognizing RSV Symptoms

RSV can be difficult to identify because early symptoms often resemble those of a common cold, influenza, or COVID-19.

In older adults, mild infection may include:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Congestion or sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Mild headache or fever
• General aches and pains

Most cases are mild, but older adults have a higher risk of complications than younger, healthier adults.

When RSV Becomes Dangerous

Severe RSV can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, or make chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart failure worse.

Warning signs that require medical attention include:
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent or worsening cough
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Bluish color in the lips or fingernails
• Sudden confusion or mental changes
• Rising fever or cough producing mucus

Recent research shows that adults hospitalized with severe RSV may have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke in the weeks after they leave the hospital.

Treating Symptoms at Home

Unlike the flu and COVID-19, there is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV. This makes prevention, especially vaccination, very important for older adults.

For mild illness, doctors and pharmacists recommend supportive care:

• Acetaminophen can help reduce aches and fever, though patients should confirm safety with a healthcare provider.

• Guaifenesin may help loosen mucus and ease coughing.

• Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, is generally best reserved for nighttime use when coughing prevents sleep.

• Pseudoephedrine can relieve congestion but may raise blood pressure, making it unsuitable for some patients.

• Fluids and rest remain essential for recovery.

Older adults should always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting new medications, especially if they have chronic conditions or take prescription drugs.

Seasonal Reminder for Seniors

Health professionals emphasize that RSV is not just a childhood illness. It is a serious health concern for older adults during the winter months.

For Moore County residents aged 60 and older, especially those with chronic health conditions, getting vaccinated, recognizing symptoms early, and seeking medical care promptly when symptoms worsen can make a significant difference in staying safe this season.

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