Patient education: RSV in adults – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is RSV? — RSV stands for "respiratory syncytial virus." It causes an infection that is similar to the common cold or the flu. RSV can cause wheezing or shortness of breath. It can also make lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ("COPD") worse.

RSV can spread easily from person to person, most often through coughing or sneezing. It is possible to get it more than once. Because RSV infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not usually help. In some people, RSV can cause a serious lung infection called pneumonia.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Wash your hands often (figure 1), and cough or sneeze into a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.

●Take all of your medicines, include any inhaler medicines, exactly as your doctor tells you to.

●Drink lots of fluids (water, juice, or broth) to stay hydrated, unless your doctor says otherwise. This will help replace any fluids lost if you have a runny nose or sweating from a fever. Warm tea or soup can help soothe a sore throat.

●Use a humidifier if the air in your home is very dry. This can help a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe. You can also use saline nose drops or spray to relieve stuffiness.

●Follow the directions on the label carefully if you take any over-the-counter cough or cold medicines. Do not take more than 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen. Also, if you have a heart problem or high blood pressure, check with your doctor before you take any cough or cold medicines.

●Try to quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.

What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have a persistent fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, a very bad sore throat, or ear or sinus pain.

●You develop a new fever after several days of feeling the same or getting better.

●You have chest pain when you cough.

●You have a cough that lasts more than 10 days.

●You cough up blood.

●You have any new or worsening symptoms, such as worsening cough or trouble breathing.

More on this topic

Patient education: Cough, runny nose, and the common cold (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: COVID-19 overview (The Basics)
Patient education: Flu (The Basics)
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Coughing up blood (The Basics)

Patient education: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Allergic rhinitis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nonallergic rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acute bronchitis in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Influenza symptoms and treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) (Beyond the Basics)