Doctors across the United States are being warned about a surge in cases of a potentially severe respiratory virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has informed healthcare professionals that the rising rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida and Georgia indicate the start of the respiratory virus season. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also advising healthcare workers to prepare for a ‘tripledemic’ of RSV, flu, and Covid-19 cases this winter.
RSV is an infection that affects the lungs and respiratory tract, typically causing cold-like symptoms. However, it can be life-threatening for seniors and infants with weaker immune systems, as it can block their already-narrow airways. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under one year old in the US. Each year, it leads to around 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in children under the age of 5. Among seniors, RSV can cause up to 160,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 fatalities annually.
Although treatments and preventive measures for RSV have become more accessible in the past year, the CDC urges clinicians to stock up on vaccines for adults and pregnant women, as well as monoclonal antibodies for infants. To illustrate the impact of RSV, a graph highlights recent increases in hospitalizations of children in Georgia. In Florida, the diagnostic test positivity rates for RSV have exceeded the normal rate, remaining consistently higher than 5% since July.
This summer saw a significant development in protecting infants from RSV with the FDA’s approval of a monoclonal antibody called Nirsevimab, which will be available in October. Clinical trials have shown that Nirsevimab reduces the chances of serious RSV infection that requires hospitalization by nearly 75%. Additionally, there are now two new vaccines available for seniors aged 60 and above, one of which is 80% effective at preventing RSV infection. However, these vaccines come with rare yet potentially severe health risks, so doctors must carefully evaluate the balance between risks and benefits for their patients.
The regional increases in RSV cases observed in the Southeast provide a glimpse of what may occur in the rest of the country in the coming months. The CDC and other agency officials have noticed higher rates of positive RSV tests and hospitalizations in Florida and Georgia. Typically, RSV and influenza season begins in early fall and peaks in the winter, but in recent years, pandemic-related measures kept these seasonal viruses at bay. However, with the gradual reopening of the world and the return to pre-pandemic activities, seasonal viruses are resurging, prompting concerns of a ‘tripledemic’ consisting of Covid, flu, and RSV.
To prepare for this potential ‘tripledemic,’ the CDC recommends increased testing for RSV, Covid, and flu in schools, daycares, and long-term care facilities. They also encourage healthcare providers to stockpile the latest medicines. Furthermore, the CDC advises that all infants under eight months born during the RSV season should receive the antibody within their first week of life. Infants born outside the typical season should receive Nirsevimab before the next RSV season begins. Although the shot has proven to be highly effective, there may be limited availability initially due to high demand. Pregnant women can also receive a vaccine that provides immunity to their babies for six months after birth.
In conclusion, healthcare professionals are being alerted to the rising cases of RSV in the United States and the possibility of a ‘tripledemic’ with flu and Covid-19 in the coming winter months. Measures are being taken to address this, including stockpiling vaccines and medicines, increasing testing, and recommending preventive measures for infants and pregnant women. It is essential to be vigilant and prepared for the potential impact of these respiratory viruses on public health.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
