RSV has destroyed me

Posted by atassi15 @atassi15, Dec 12, 2023

A small background.. 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?

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GDCM | @gdcm | Dec 13, 2023

In 2018, at age 58, I went to the ER with severe respiratory symptoms. (My oxygen levels were in the low 80’s. ) I was hospitalized and told I had RVS “which normally affects young children and infants” I was told. (Also, I was somewhat immunosuppressed because I was taking Humira for Psoriatic Arthritis.) I was in the hospital for 5 days. It took a few weeks to return to normal, taking very short walks and trying to increase the distance each day. I remained on antibiotics for a week or so after being released. I would say it took one month to return back to “normal” once again. (I was one of the first in line to get my RSV vaccine as soon as it was released!) Best wishes for your recovery.

celia16 | @celia16 | Jan 2, 2024

I suspect my mom, who’s 83, has RSV. My dad too and me! We got the vaccine though and had a lighter case. She’s on day 6 and seems to be feeling much better. I’m just wondering if I should take her to the doctor now. She’s eating, drinking, getting around ok, though still weak. I’m just cautious about breathing issues. What do they do for outpatient treatment of RSV? No way she would take steroids. She hates them.

janpic | @janpic | Jan 27, 2024

Since having Covid April 2023 I am still suffering from annoying constant daily mucus phlegm in the back of my throat. I just got the RSV vaccine yesterday and hoping it would help. Now Im dealing with the after effects of the vaccine and am very sore achy feverish and weak with constant mucus in back of my throat. What to do?!

irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | Jan 28, 2024

In reply to @janpic "Since having Covid April 2023 I am still suffering from annoying constant daily mucus phlegm in..." + (show)

I have a friend who had the vaccine and was miserable for 24 hours. I did not get the vaccine and caught RSV, was hospitalized and am still dealing with after effects. And that was in October! A day or two with vaccine side effects is way better than the real illness. Trust me on that one! Irene 5

temaharris7 | @temaharris7 | Jan 4 5:16pm

I’m almost mimicking you. I had a critical COVID DIAGNOSIS in September 2020 and was part of the LongHaul team as well. Fast forward to an RSV diagnosis Christmas Eve 2024. My cough is now beginning to subside as I had to go to my PCP 2 days ago for an antibiotic. I am exhausted. Low grade fever and I just don’t feel well. HELP

vlbondon | @vlbondon | Jan 7 9:42pm

In reply to @temaharris7 "I’m almost mimicking you. I had a critical COVID DIAGNOSIS in September 2020 and was part..." + (show)

I say if you are upset and concerned enough to write this post, you are in bad enough shape to get to an ER NOW. They may tell you it's the RSV aftereffects but you sound like you think it's not. Listen to your body, you know it better than anyone else. You don't want sepsis getting you because then it's almost too late. Take care of you now and at least you will at least have peace of mind. Stay till you are satisfied with their diagnosis and prognosis. Go again in two days if not better. Good luck, update us.

temaharris7 | @temaharris7 | Jan 8 2:14am

In reply to @vlbondon "I say if you are upset and concerned enough to write this post, you are in..." + (show)

Thank you. By Saturday evening I was weaker. Sunday morning I woke up in tears because I felt horrible. I went to the ER & was diagnosed with walking pneumonia & severely dehydrated. Thank you for your support

irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | Jan 8 5:40am

In reply to @temaharris7 "I’m almost mimicking you. I had a critical COVID DIAGNOSIS in September 2020 and was part..." + (show)

RSV is devastating for some of us. Being on an antibiotic is good, but if you have bronchiolitis ( hopefully they did an X-ray) you need prednisone as well. I am not a big person but was on a high dose of prednisone for a while plus the antibiotic. Steroids have their own complications but it was what I had to do . I was closely monitored. Good luck. So sorry. Irene5

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