Jackson College has partnered with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital to offer Jackson College students and employees medical care evaluation and treatment from the clinic’s caring staff. A licensed nurse practitioner and technical staff will be in the office to see patients, make diagnosis and assessment, prescribe medications or make referrals. |
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HEALTH CLINIC HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual care only)
Call 517.990.1374 to make an appointment. |
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can lead to respiratory tract infections. It often presents as mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults and older children. Most people recover within one to two weeks with supportive treatment. However, it can be more severe in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Recently a new RSV vaccine has been developed and is available for those 60 years older and pregnant women between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy (CDC, 2023). |
| • | | Runny nose |
| • | | Cough |
| • | | Sneezing |
| • | | Fever |
| • | | Wheezing (CDC, 2023) |
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RSV symptoms typically last from two to eight days in healthy individuals. However, individuals that have other medical conditions, weakened immune systems or are very young or very old may develop serious conditions that last longer. Serious conditions associated with RSV infections could include: |
| • | | Asthma attack or COPD exacerbation |
| • | | Pneumonia |
| • | | Bronchiolitis |
| • | | Congestive Heart Failure (ALA, 2022) |
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Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of spreading RSV and reduce the risk of infection.
These measures include: |
| • | | Hand washing |
| • | | Avoidance of close contact with sick individuals |
| • | | Practice good respiratory hygiene; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing |
| • | | Stay home when you are sick to prevent the spread of illness |
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A new vaccine for pregnant women and adults over 60 as well as preventative monoclonal antibodies for babies has recently been developed and released to reduce the risks associated with RSV. Below are the CDC (2023) recommendations on who should get the vaccine. |
RSV season usually starts in the fall and peaks in the winter. Each year this virus contributes to millions of outpatient visits as well as thousands of hospital admissions (NFID, 2023). There is no specific antiviral treatment for the cure of RSV, however supportive measures help to relieve symptoms, including getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and respiratory care treatments such as inhalers.
With the release of the new RSV vaccine the goal is to prevent serious complications of RSV on vulnerable populations. Check in with your healthcare provider today to see if you are eligible. |
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