It's the time of year when respiratory viruses flourish, often bringing significant discomfort to people during the autumn and winter seasons. This is primarily due to the tendency for individuals to congregate indoors as temperatures drop. Colder weather also confers certain advantages to viruses, enabling them to survive in specific environmental conditions outside the human body.

In the current landscape, the predominant respiratory viruses are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (the flu), and COVID-19—a trio of significant threats. Fortunately, vaccines have been developed for each of these viruses.

What Are the New RSV Vaccines?

In general, two main categories of vaccines exist: active vaccination and passive vaccination.

The majority of vaccines fall under the active vaccine category, where a mimic of the pathogen is employed to stimulate immune responses, safeguarding individuals against infection. Passive vaccines, on the other hand, contain antibodies capable of directly countering the pathogen. Currently, both active and passive vaccines are accessible for RSV.

For individuals aged 60 and older, as well as for pregnant women, there is an active vaccine named Abrysvo available.

As for the new infant RSV vaccine, it belongs to the passive vaccine group and goes by the name nirsevimab. This innovative vaccine supplants the previous multi-dose infant RSV vaccine, Synagis, and offers protection to infants under 8 months of age against RSV for the entire season with just a single dose.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

• Individuals aged 60 and above should consider getting Abrysvo, an active RSV vaccine, in addition to updating their flu and COVID vaccinations in preparation for the upcoming fall respiratory virus season.

• Expectant mothers in their third trimester, specifically between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, are advised to receive the RSV vaccine to safeguard both themselves and their infants after delivery.

• For parents of newborns, it is recommended to inquire about the passive RSV infant vaccine, nirsevimab, when their child is either under 8 months old and entering their first RSV season or in their second year of life with a high-risk condition such as chronic cardiac or respiratory disease. This infant vaccine has received approval and will be accessible in the near future.

Is RSV a potentially serious viral infection? Should parents take it seriously?

RSV presents a grave viral threat, particularly to both young children and older adults. In fact, it stands as the leading cause of infant hospitalizations, filling pediatric units and ICUs every season. It's noteworthy that the majority of these hospitalized infants were previously in good health, yet RSV can precipitate extended hospital stays, often necessitating intubation to aid infants and young children in their breathing.

What other preventive measures can parents can take to protect their families from RSV?

During this time period, we have the privilege of access to several reliable and secure measures for safeguarding both ourselves and our children. It is strongly recommended that all family members receive the latest flu and COVID vaccines, and for those eligible—including infants, individuals aged 60 and above, and now pregnant women—it is advisable to consider one of the suitable RSV vaccines.

RSV and Other Respitory Diseases in Maryland

If you need more information about RSV or other respiratory infections, Bowie Internal Medcine is here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.