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Irene is a patient advocate and survivor of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is her experience; others’ experiences with RSV may be different. Irene is not a healthcare provider. She was compensated by GSK for her participation in this program.

RSV is a common, contagious, and potentially serious respiratory virus. It is typically mild and can affect anyone, but adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults and adults with chronic heart and lung disease.

Irene

My name's Irene. I am 74. When I was 69, I got RSV and it took a long time to diagnose it.

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RSV is usually mild, though in older adults, it can sometimes be severe. Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two.

Irene

I was down for the count for about six weeks. I couldn't breathe. I was coughing and sneezing. My chest hurt. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't go out. I couldn't go to church. I didn't want to eat. I didn't want to read. I didn't want to take five steps because those five steps were so painful. I missed my grandson's birthday. I couldn't take the grandkids trick or treating or to the zoo. I missed out on a lot of family things.

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Each year, approximately 177,000 adults 65 years and older are hospitalized in the US due to RSV and an estimated 14,000 of those cases result in death.

Irene

When I first got sick, I thought it was seasonal allergies. I was coughing and sneezing and it didn't get any better. So that's when I went to the urgent care. They told me what I didn't have, but they couldn't tell me what I did have. It got worse.

Then I went to the emergency room and RSV wasn't mentioned at all and the symptoms continued to get worse. I finally went to my doctor and he said that I had RSV. I thought the man was crazy because RSV is for babies. He said that adults get RSV, but unfortunately there was no preventative, like a vaccine. We didn't know what to do except take over-the-counter. But now there are vaccinations available for those 60 and older. As an older adult, every day is precious and if I lose a day, a month, six weeks, then that's time I never get back. My experience with RSV was horrible and I just don't want anybody else to have to go through that.

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Visit www.SidelineRSV.com to Learn More about RSV.

Irene

If you or a loved one are 60 years of age or older, speak to a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist about RSV and vaccination.

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GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RSV

Learn more about how RSV can affect older adults

Irene’s real-life RSV journey

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