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  1. COVID-19, Flu and RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

FDA has approved vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to protect against RSV.

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Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a highly contagious virus that is easily spread from person to person, most often through coughing or sneezing and causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages in individuals of all age groups. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people. RSV infection is especially common in children, and most young children have been infected with RSV by the time they are two years old. Some people, particularly infants and older adults, are more likely to develop severe RSV disease and need hospitalization.

For most regions in the U.S., RSV outbreaks are seasonal, typically starting during the fall and peaking in the winter.

RSV and Infants

Most infants and young children with RSV infections have mild, cold-like symptoms. But some infants, especially during their first infection, develop lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) such as pneumonia (a lung infection) or bronchiolitis (swelling of the small airway passages in the lungs). Premature infants, and infants with certain medical conditions such as chronic lung disease of prematurity are at highest risk for complications from RSV infection. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis often lead to a doctor’s office visit, an emergency department visit, or potentially hospitalization. RSV infection is the most common cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S.

Preventing RSV in Infants

ABRYSVO is a vaccine approved by the FDA for pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age to prevent LRTD and severe LRTD caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months of age.

Two FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies can help protect infants from RSV LRTD. Monoclonal antibodies are not vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies to protect certain infants and young children from RSV LRTD are nirsevimab and palivizumab. Talk to your child’s doctor for more information.

RSV and Adults

In adults, RSV infection can lead to LRTD, hospitalization, and death. The elderly and adults with certain medical conditions such as a weakened immune system, chronic heart or lung disease, and diabetes are at increased risk of severe RSV infection, which can lead to hospitalization.

Preventing RSV in Adults

There are three FDA-approved vaccines to prevent RSV LRTD  in adults ages 60 and older - ABRYSVOArexvy, and mRESVIA. ABRYSVO is also approved for the prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in individuals 18 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV. Arexvy is also approved for the prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in individuals 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for LRTD caused by RSV. Talk to a health care provider to see if an RSV vaccine is right for you or your loved ones.

RSV Tests

Talk to a health care provider if you think you, or your child, have a respiratory illness such as RSV, COVID-19 or the flu. There are tests available for all three illnesses that your health care provider can order. You can also talk to a health care provider about using a home collection test, where you take a sample at home and ship it to a laboratory for testing.

RSV Treatments

Most people with RSV infections will have mild, cold-like symptoms and can recover at home. Adults and children with an RSV infection should get enough fluid (water and other fluids) to stay hydrated. Treat pain and fever as suggested by a health care provider. Most RSV infections go away on their own within two weeks.

RSV can be more dangerous for infants and older adults. Talk to a health care provider if your cold-like symptoms progressively get worse, affecting your breathing or ability to stay hydrated or eat.

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