Northeastern Public Health is offering shots against the respiratory infection known as RSV.
Immunizations manager Kassandra Plante says it’s open to anyone 75 and older or between 60 and 74 with underlying conditions.
It’s also for anyone in hospital or an alternative levels of care, undergoing dialysis, homeless or a First Nations member.
“There are other criteria and individuals can check the health unit website to receive more information on that as well,” Plante informs.
The elderly are at the highest risk of contracting RSV.
“Those risks can include pneumonia, hospitalization, and it really just also increases hospital visits, physician visits and then you could risk passing it on to your family members and loved ones as well.”
The RSV shot is only available at health unit offices.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus and follows an annual seasonal pattern. In Canada, a wave of increased activity usually occurs from the fall to the early spring.
RSV usually causes a mild illness with cold-like symptoms. Symptoms often begin 2 to 8 days after exposure to RSV.
Symptoms may include:
runny nosecoughingsneezingwheezingfeverdecrease in appetite and energy
In infants, symptoms may include:
irritabilitydifficulty breathingdecreased appetite or feedingdecreased activity
-Source: Health Canada