‘RSV virus. It’s so common, we haven’t heard of it’. Did you know that it is so common that most children have encountered it by 2 years of age and adults will have been exposed to it many times in their life?
This virus typically presents as the common cold! Symptoms are similar to those caused by other cold viruses that cause a cough and runny nose.
It does not mean however that this is a harmless infection. Every year it causes severe and life-threatening breathing difficulties that can lead to death in infants, young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. In the autumn and winter months when the virus is circulating, this contagious virus particularly infects infants and then frequently re- infects older children and adults. It’s a vicious circle!
This year NHS England are concerned that we are going to face a ‘tripledemic!’ With RSV, Flu and Covid viruses all colliding this autumn winter, hospitals could be faced with significant pressure during a very busy time. Knowing about RSV and how to reduce the risks is important for everyone particularly so that we can protect each other particularly the vulnerable.
What is RSV?
RSV ( Respiratory syncytial virus) is a common cause of coughs and colds. In infants and older adults, it can cause more complicated lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis which can be life threatening and require hospital treatment. In infants RSV bronchiolitis is amongst the leading cause of hospital admissions in the UK. Infection in infancy has also been linked to an increased risk of asthma later in life.
Adults over 75 years of age are 6 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with RSV then those aged between 50 and 59 and over 7 times more likely if they have diabetes or COPD (compared with those aged between 50 – 64 with no comorbidities).
How is RSV transmitted?
RSV is transmitted by droplets that are released into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. It is also spread by secretions from contact with an infected person. The virus can survive on surfaces or objects for about 4 to 7 hours so there is also a risk of infection if you touch contaminated surfaces then touch your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to a cold, minor symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough, reduced appetite, tiredness and sometimes a fever. Ear infections and croup can occur in young children.
Other symptoms such as worsening cough, shortness of breath, wheezing confusion and in babies’ loss of appetite / difficulty feeding should not be ignored and urgent medical help should be sought as this may be signs of a more serious infection such as pneumonia or Bronchiolitis.
Treatment
There’s no specific treatment. Treatment is supportive only and is aimed at relieving symptoms. Paracetamol, drinking plenty of fluids, rest and decongestant if required can help manage symptoms.
Prevention
There are several ways to reduce the risk of RSV virus. It is important to avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze into your elbow. Always throw used tissues away and wash your hands. Clean surfaces regularly including toys. Stay home to prevent the spread of infection to others.
RSV Vaccine
The approved vaccine to protect against RSV virus and the potential serious breathing problems associated is called Abrysvo and is manufactured by Pfizer. This vaccine was shown to be effective in preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in older adults as well as infants born to vaccinated mothers for up to 6 months of life. Vaccination in adults is expected to last up to 2 years.
How does it work?
The Abrysvo vaccine works by ‘teaching the immune system how to defend the body against infection. The vaccine contains proteins from the surface if the RSV virus and when a person is given the vaccine the immune system identifies the viral proteins as foreign and makes defences against them. If a vaccinated individual comes into contact with the circulating virus, the immune system will know how to attack it and protect against lower respiratory tract diseases such as pneumonia caused by RSV.
Efficacy
Efficacy data by Pfizer show Abrysvo has an 86% vaccine efficacy against RSV associated Lower respiratory tract disease in older adults.
Administration
Abrysvo by Pfizer is one single injection given into the muscle of the upper arm.
Possible side effects
Side effects are often mild and moderate and resolve in a few days. Those most commonly experienced include a sore arm, headache and muscle pain.
NHS eligibility
For the first time this Autumn the RSV vaccine is being offered on the NHS. Pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation will be offered the vaccine. Giving the vaccine during pregnancy not only protects the mother but also the unborn baby as the infant is born with maternal antibodies that protect them from RSV infection during their early months of life.
Individuals between the age of 75 and 79 and anyone who turns 80 after the 1st September are eligible to receive the vaccine on the NHS and will be invited to do so. This is to protect older adults, including those who have chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, heart disease or severe diabetes who are extremely vulnerable to severe lower respiratory tract disease from RSV.
Abrysvo available at Masta Nomad clinics
Nomad Masta are offering this vaccine privately to adults aged 60 years and older who are not eligible to receive the RSV vaccine on the NHS and for pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation.
If you live with a chronic condition or are immunosuppressed, vaccination is a sensible consideration, particularly if you travel for work or regularly mixing with other people.
If you are pregnant and travelling abroad for work, it is important to receive this vaccine as the risks of RSV remain the same in other countries.
It is important to note that Influenza and Covid vaccines should not be forgotten. Individuals travelling regularly for work and those living with chronic health conditions and immunosuppression should ensure they are vaccinated.
The cost of the RSV vaccine is £225.00. Flu vaccination is also available in all Masta Nomad clinics for £19.95. Please contact our customer services team and make an appointment with one of our specialist clinicians. For more information call: 01341 555 061.
Resources
https://abrysvoadult.pfizerpro.com/
