Families are ready to connect with their loved ones this holiday, but the RSV infection may prevent some from doing so as we approach respiratory virus season.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It’s widely spread throughout young children, infants, and older adults. RSV activity is currently increasing in many areas across the United States.
As a result, RSV vaccines have begun to be distributed more frequently and may even supersede the COVID-19 pandemic.
RSV is a highly contagious illness that younger children can contract quicker than adults. Over half of the U.S. kids are already infected, especially in infants. With the virus spreading more than ever, these newborns are at a higher risk of facing fatal conditions.
Hospitals across the country are struggling to maintain space within their facilities due to the surge of RSV cases. The demand for vaccinations has already outstripped the supply for newly born infants, especially the booked Neonatal Intensive Care Units, which are in desperate need of medication.
Ever since the COVID-19 public emergency, the virus has been maintained as long as people are and keep getting vaccinated. This differs in comparison to RSV with a limited supply of medication.
In fact, the manufacturer of the newly developed drug, Beyfortus, underestimated the amount of medication that was needed.
“Despite an aggressive supply plan built to outperform past pediatric immunization launches, demand for this product, especially for the 100 mg doses used primarily for babies born before the RSV season, has been higher than anticipated,” Beyfortus co-developer Sanofi stated.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, 3.5% of emergency department visits were reported for the flu, 4% for COVID-19, and 8% for RSV.
As soon as one contracts RSV, they are at a higher risk for ‘walking pneumonia’, which is a respiratory tract bacterial infection caused by the bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae). The CDC reported that the infection increased in the U.S. in the past six months, especially in younger children. They emphasize surveilling RSV, in case it becomes an urgent matter as COVID-19 once was.
Additionally, the University of North Carolina reported 40 walking pneumonia cases during the last week of October. During the same period last year, there were zero cases reported.
Doctors are saying that RSV trends are returning to pre-pandemic levels. Children who are two or younger have a higher risk of contracting the virus. Though cases are progressing slowly, this doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t worry about it.
When should parents worry about their children?
If symptoms are mild, with dry coughs, headaches, and sore throats, parents are advised to keep their children home and contact their healthcare provider with any questions or about antibiotics, for that matter. It might be time to visit the emergency room if one is experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a long-lasting fever.
What can you do to prevent RSV?
To prevent RSV, one can take further precautions by taking three vaccines that are advised for adults ages 60 and older. For infants ages 8-19 months, the RSV antibody (nersevimab) is given to those who have a higher risk of contracting RSV.
Additionally, take it a step further and practice good hygiene. By frequent hand washing and covering coughs, one can prevent the spread of respiratory infections. Masks are advised for those in spaces with poor ventilation as well.
As the year 2024 will soon come to an end, RSV will continue to spread more rapidly.
