A New Vaccine - RSV

May 23, 2023

It seems that every other day there is a new medical condition being discovered requiring the development of a much needed vaccine. Hmmm….

A medical condition that is being talked about in the media recently is RSV. So what is RSV. RSV stands for Respiratory syncytial virus. It is a common virus that affects the respiratory system, particularly in young children. RSV infections are most prevalent during the winter and early spring months. Do we need a new vaccine?

Symptoms of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can vary depending on the age of the person affected. It's important to note that RSV symptoms can range from mild to severe. In infants and young children, particularly those under 1 year old, RSV can sometimes lead to more serious complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Here are the common symptoms associated with RSV:

  1. Infants and young children:

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Cough

  • Sneezing

  • Mild fever

  • Decreased appetite

  • Irritability

  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

  • Wheezing

  • Flaring of the nostrils

  • Retractions (pulling in of the chest wall with each breath)

  • Cyanosis (bluish coloration of the lips, face, or extremities)

  1. Older children and adults:

  • Cold-like symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Mild headache

  • Low-grade fever

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle aches

There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infections. Most cases of RSV are self-limiting and resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Here are some common approaches used in the treatment of RSV:

  1. You can:

  • Get plenty of rest and fluids to prevent dehydration.

  • Use saline nasal drops or sprays to relieve nasal congestion.

  • Use a bulb syringe or suction device to clear nasal passages in infants.

  • Elevate the head while sleeping to help with breathing.

  • Take fever-reducing medications (such as acetaminophen) to alleviate fever and discomfort, if recommended by a healthcare professional.

  • Use a cool-mist humidifier to help soothe cough and congestion.

  1. Hospitalization: Severe cases of RSV, particularly in infants and young children, may require hospitalization for closer monitoring and supportive care. Hospitalization may be necessary if the person has significant breathing difficulties, severe dehydration, or is at high risk for complications.

  2. Oxygen Therapy: In cases where oxygen levels are low, supplemental oxygen may be administered to improve breathing and oxygenation.

  3. Bronchodilators: In some cases, bronchodilators (such as albuterol) may be used to help open the airways and ease breathing. However, the effectiveness of bronchodilators in RSV treatment is still debated, and they are typically reserved for cases where there is a history of wheezing or asthma.

Once again, most of the symptoms present like the common cold and even according to the CDC most infection go away on their own. However, it is contagious and instances may be on the rise. According to the CDC over the 2022-23 winter season, approximately 51 out of every 100,000 people were diagnosed with RSV (0.051%). 

To mitigate the virus, the FDA has approved a vaccine for RSV, but only in individuals over the age of 60? So while anyone can be susceptible, particularly those under the age of 1, the vaccine is for seniors? Is it a necessary vaccine?

You decide and comment to let us know how you feel?

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