Internal medicine specialist Robert Sinto said that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection can worsen the condition of the elderly or those with comorbidities.
"RSV isn't just a common cold, which can lead to healthy people. It can lead to complications in the ICU and even death," said Dr. Robert Sinto, Sp.PD, K-PTI, DPhil, FINASIM, FHEA, at a press conference .
The doctor who practices at Pelni Hospital explained that the body has a harder time fighting infections as we age, and this condition makes the elderly more susceptible to RSV infection.
According to him, people aged over 65 years with comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are at greater risk of RSV infection.
RSV infection can be severe in people who have been in the hospital for too long and in people with weakened immune systems.
According to a study that looked at 302 adults aged 60 and older who were hospitalized for RSV, Robert explained, 32 percent of study participants showed poor results on daily activity assessments after six months of hospitalization.
Research results show that one in three people who are hospitalized have difficulty performing daily activities such as dressing, using the bathroom, and eating independently.
This can make the elderly easily lose their appetite and are at risk of nutritional deficiencies, making their bodies even more vulnerable.
