A Home and Away star is urging Aussies over 65 to speak to their doctor so they’re aware of the risks of a deadly common winter illness.
Georgie Parker said that while many know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), an infection in the lungs and airways, she wasn’t aware that its effects can be much worse when you’re older.
According to Health Direct, RSV spreads through tiny water droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.
Georgie issued a PSA to older Aussies to help them understand the risks and how to avoid them.
“I had a respiratory illness [and] apart from being surprised by how ill I was, I was floored by how much it impacted my family life and my ability to do my job,” she said.
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“I wrongly thought that, because I rarely get ill, I’m fit and healthy, that I would be less at risk.”
Georgie said that as we age, natural changes in the immune system make it harder to fight infections.
RSV is most commonly recorded in kids under two, and in adults over 60, particularly those over 75, according to the government’s Australian Immunisation Handbook.
While it can pop up any time of the year, it’s most prevalent in autumn and winter.
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The Home and Away star said it’s never been more important to understand the illness as temperatures plunge across the country.
“I really want to stay healthy, active and independent both personally and professionally, and learning more about RSV has become a part of that journey for me,” she said.
“So, if you’re 65 and over, it’s really important you know your risk and become RSV-wise by speaking with your GP or local pharmacist.”
The message was well-received by her Instagram followers, and many thanked her for sharing the advice.
Georgie Parker (right) said it’s never been more important to know about the risks of RSV during winter.
(Getty)
“Oh, Georgie, always looking out for others and bringing light into all that you do,” one wrote.
“What a powerful message too spread awareness about Georgie. Thanks for sharing with us all,” added another.
This year, there have been 83,678 people infected with RSV, with New South Wales taking the lion’s share with 39,466 cases.
Australia’s Centre for Disease Control said there are around 500 people die each year from the illness, and 27,900 people require hospitalisation.
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