Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease
RSV vaccines (Abrysvo/Arexvy) and the preventive monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (nirsevimab) are now available.
Transmission
Spread by respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing and by contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms
Runny or blocked nose, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever; newborns may only be fussy, feed poorly and have pauses in breathing.
Complications
Severe bronchiolitis, pneumonia with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation; triggers COPD flare-ups and heart failure in older adults.
People at high risk
Premature babies, children under 1 year; older adults ≥ 60 years with heart or lung disease; pregnant women.
Preventive vaccines
- Abrysvo – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women and older adults
- Arexvy – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for older adults
- Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) – Monoclonal antibody to prevent RSV in newborns
- Synagis (Palivizumab) – Monoclonal antibody to prevent RSV in high-risk infants