An RSV warning to people with asthma

Lisa Loader from Adelaide is on a mission to raise awareness of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) after experiencing a terrifying ordeal that left her battling for life.

Aged 59 and with pre-existing asthma, Lisa’s journey began when she contracted RSV from her three-year-old grandson.

Describing the experience as the “worst I’ve ever had”, Lisa says the symptoms of RSV progressed rapidly, leaving her unable to speak and struggling to breathe. “I went downhill so fast. I was gasping for breath and couldn’t go more than five minutes without a coughing fit,” she said. “I really thought I was going to die.”

Arriving at the doctors, Lisa handed a written note over to the receptionist to explain her symptoms because she was unable to talk.

Lisa was soon diagnosed with double pneumonia caused by RSV, prompting doctor to prescribe a barrage of medications, including high-strength antibiotics and asthma inhalers.

What followed were sleepless nights and constant fear as Lisa battled the infection while her husband and son were away for work.

For weeks, she struggled to regain her voice and endured persistent shortness of breath, unsure if her recovery would ever be complete.

“I couldn’t speak properly for around two months, and it took well over three months to feel like I was fully recovered,” Lisa said.

Lisa is keen to raise awareness of how severe RSV can be, hoping to inspire others to protect themselves against the virus, particularly those with conditions such as asthma.

“I don’t want anybody else to go through this shocking experience.”