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Tracy's RSV Story

Video transcript

On Screen Text

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in older adults typically causes mild cold-like symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache.

In older adults, however, RSV can sometimes be severe, causing hospitalization and, in some cases, death.

Tracy is a patient advocate and survivor of RSV. This is her experience. Others' experiences with RSV may be different.

Tracy is not a healthcare provider. She was compensated by GSK for her participation in this program.

Tracy

About ten years ago…

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COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Tracy

…I was diagnosed with COPD. It became harder for me to breathe. It takes your breath away.

When I first started feeling ill, of course, I blamed it on the COPD.

I had a real horrible headache. Then I started that coughin’, and that coughin’ was the kind that you coughed and your side hurt, and your stomach hurt, and you couldn't quit coughin’, no matter what you did. And I got where the point where I couldn't stand up very long.

It was my husband who said, “We’d better take you to the emergency room.”

So, we did. They told me I have RSV.

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Tracy’s RSV Story

RSV is usually mild, though in older adults, it can sometimes be severe.

Tracy

I was very scared.

My symptoms were very bad at the emergency room, so they took me right in.

They took me in the back, they did blood work and they did the nasal swab.

And it didn't take long for them to come back and tell me that I have RSV.

And told me they were going to admit me to the hospital.

My doctor told me because of my COPD, that the symptoms are more severe for me.

When I was released from the hospital, I was very weak. I was not up to par, so I still had to rest. I still didn't do anything physical.

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Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two.

Tracy

After a few weeks, my symptoms did start to improve. I still had a little bit of cough, but I was able to-- I felt like I was able to get up and move around a little bit more. I wanted to go get out and do normal things ‘cause I was feeling better.

I was feeling closer to the way I felt before RSV. It gave me a little bit of hope that things were getting back to normal and I could plan something.

I am so grateful after RSV that I can still make plans to travel and do what I want.

Everybody thinks it's a cold, a bad cold. And it could be a lot worse than a bad cold.

I am thankful for seeking help. And that they knew what to do. My only regret is not going sooner.

That is the big key, is to go as soon as you notice some symptoms.

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Intended for US audiences only.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2023 GSK or licensor.

RSAVID230057 August 2023

Produced in USA.

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