Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages, with infants and older adults being particularly vulnerable to severe complications.
Preventing the spread of RSV requires a multi-pronged approach that includes vaccination, good hygiene practices and public health initiatives.
You may have seen recent reports about newly approved vaccines for RSV. One vaccine is approved for use between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, to protect infants from birth through six months of age. There are also two RSV vaccines licensed for use in adults aged 60 years and older in the United States.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 60 and older receive a single dose of RSV vaccine using shared clinical decision-making. This means you and your healthcare provider should have a conversation to decide if RSV vaccination would be beneficial for you.
RSV is a highly contagious virus that targets the respiratory system. While it often causes mild symptoms in healthy individuals, it can lead to more severe respiratory complications, especially in vulnerable people. Infants, particularly those born prematurely, and older adults with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at the greatest risk for severe RSV infections. The consequences of RSV can range from mild respiratory distress to more serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, making prevention essential to safeguarding public health.
Vaccination
Vaccinating seniors can help reduce the risk of complications. Encouraging older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions, to get the RSV vaccine can protect individuals from the potentially severe effects of the virus.
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Pregnant women
In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine that is administered to pregnant women to protect their babies from RSV through their first six months of life. The single shot spurs the production of protective antibodies that transfer from woman to infant through the placenta. It’s the first vaccine that can protect babies from RSV.
Meanwhile, babies will also have a new option to reduce their risk of severe RSV. A new medication called Beyfortus was recently approved for infants younger than eight months who are entering their first RSV season. Some high-risk infants may be eligible for a second shot the following year.
Home interventions
There are additional ways to minimize the spread of RSV with simple hygiene measures in your home.
They include: