Long COVID... now RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Posted by atassi15 @atassi15, Dec 12, 2023

I got Covid back in Jan 2022 and have been battling long-covid since then. Was out of work for 5 months last year. I had turned a corner for most part, despite still having migraines and GI issues, but felt like I was slowly starting to feel like a human again.
Fast forward to Thanskgiving of this year and I ended up getting RSV. I was super shocked because I didn't know much about it and had thought it primarily affected children.
It has destroyed me. The first week was obviously the hardest, as with any virus.. fever, horrible persistent cough, fatigue, no appetite, ongoing congestion, breathing problems.

As I write this on about day 12, I am thankful that the cough has almost subsided, although I still cough up some mucus. But the absolute worst part is how much it depletes all of your energy and strength. I feel so weak and have to force myself to eat, even though it makes me nauseous. I've had a few chest xrays to make sure nothing turned into pnemonia or anything.
But I just don't know how I could feel this fatigued and I physically gone almost 2 weeks out. It has also taken a huge toll on my mental health. Was wondering if anyone else has experienced a tough round of RSV? How long until it felt like you were normal again? Has anyone else had a tough experience due to also battling long covid?

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pkh3381 | @pkh3381 | Dec 13, 2023

To atassi15 @atassi15, I really relate to you! I have had Covid 3 xs since the end of Jan and then I also ended up with RSV. I was miserable and finally went to the ER. They wanted to admit me, but I wouldn't do that because of past experiences with this Hosp. The Dr was understanding, loaded me up with Meds & sent me home. I started to get better after a few days after I started on the meds, but then had a setback and have been miserable for about two weeks. Then, today I was feeling a little stronger & ordered a delivery order of groceries. I was putting the groceries away and had a blow-out attack of diarrhea and didn't even make it to the bathroom! Of course, that is not the RSV. I have chronic GI problems. But you start feeling like you can't win for losing! 😉🤣I am finally out of bed again and hoping for a better day today! Just wanted to let you know that I understand!
P

celia16 | @celia16 | Dec 13, 2023

I hope you both start feeling better. My doctor recommended the RSV vaccine for my dad and I’m glad he got it. He said it can really take a toll. Take care and wishes for a recovery real soon.

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | Dec 13, 2023

Wow, sounds awful!

Thank you all for posting your experiences. I was thinking of skipping the RSV vax, but I've changed my mind.

I hope you all feel better soon!

kitty2 | @kitty2 | Dec 13, 2023

HI..I have been coughing for quite a while. I just got diagnosed with Covid again on 12/8/2023. Tested positive at my doctors office. Had the test on 12/8/23, positive result on 12/9/23. I have been battling long covid since 12/21/19 when I had the first positive test. The cough is unreal, along with the fatigue and other symptoms. I probably have RSV also but was not tested for it. Been out of work again for another week, and no where ready to go back to work. My job is strenuous and I am still very weak, all I want to do is sleep. I am 71 and have other health issues going on at this time . How did they treat your RSV and your cough? Thanks Kitty2

RMS | @rinadbq | Dec 13, 2023

OMG, RSV really did me in-almost as bad as when I got COVID 3 years ago. I was also shocked. As an ER RN I've seen it in pediatrics but never in an adult until this year. It took 4 weeks to start to feel better, then another 2 to very slowly increase my activity to avoid those post-exertional crashes. I wound up in the ER twice for nebulizer respiratory treatments; my rescue inhaler was not enough. My PCP tells me that I have immunity built up now that I have had RSV and don't need a vaccine this year, but I will make sure I get it every fall from now on. I strongly encourage everyone, Long Hauler or not, to get vaccinated.

celia16 | @celia16 | Dec 14, 2023

In reply to @rinadbq "OMG, RSV really did me in-almost as bad as when I got COVID 3 years ago...." + (show)

I’m getting my flu shot tomorrow and maybe RSV. I have already gotten covid booster. I waited so long due to being sick. Hate that. Lots if flu, RSV around here. My SIL has covid. Not super sick at this point.

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