The illness you’ve never heard of that kills thousands of over-75s - get vaccinated now
One of the most dangerous viral infections during this time of year is respiratory syncytial virus, but thankfully there's a vaccine for it now.
As autumn approaches and children return to school, doctors are preparing for the annual surge in coughs, colds, and respiratory illnesses.
One of the most dangerous viral infections during this time of year is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While most healthy adults experience RSV as a common cold, it can cause life-threatening breathing issues in young children and older adults.
Each year, RSV leads to the hospitalization of approximately 30,000 children and 18,000 adults in the UK. Heartbreakingly, around 100 children and 8,000 adults die annually due to complications from the virus.
Even for those not directly affected, RSV strains the NHS, with full hospital wards during peak season, often delaying routine procedures like hip operations and heart surgeries.
However, there’s good news. This month, the NHS is launching its first-ever RSV vaccination campaign aimed at protecting the most vulnerable groups: adults aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women, who can pass on RSV antibodies to their newborns.
Research has shown that this vaccine is not only safe but could prevent thousands of hospital admissions annually.
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What is RSV?
RSV is not a new virus, but it has been challenging to develop an effective vaccine until recently.
Spread through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces, RSV symptoms mimic a common cold, making it hard to detect without a nasal swab test.
For most people, it’s mild, but in young children and the elderly, it can lead to severe lung infections and breathing difficulties.
For decades, scientists struggled to find a way to protect people from RSV, and until now, treatments for severe cases were limited to oxygen therapy and IV fluids.
But in 2023, a breakthrough arrived: Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, showed an 80% reduction in severe RSV symptoms during clinical trials.
Why is the Vaccine Important?
Although RSV is not widely known, its impact is significant.
For adults over 75, the risk of hospitalization or death from RSV increases, with an estimated 4,000 deaths per year in this age group alone.
Even younger adults can be affected; research shows that RSV causes around 1,200 deaths annually in people aged 45 to 74.
The RSV vaccine is expected to prevent around 5,000 hospitalizations among infants and 2,500 among adults this winter alone.
Moreover, it is projected to protect more than 60,000 people from experiencing severe RSV symptoms.
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Should You Get the Vaccine?
Absolutely. While the majority of people who contract RSV recover without serious illness, predicting who will end up in the hospital is impossible.
Like the flu, RSV disproportionately affects those with weakened immune systems, lung or heart conditions, and smokers.
Even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, research indicates that vaccination can prevent serious illness and reduce strain on the NHS.
Safety Concerns
Although the RSV vaccine is new to the UK, it has been safely administered in the US and Europe for over a year.
Clinical trials have included more than 17,000 adults and 4,000 pregnant women, showing no serious side effects.
Some people may experience mild symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or muscle pain, but these are temporary and far outweighed by the benefits of preventing severe RSV.
How to Get the Vaccine
Pregnant women will be offered the vaccine at around 28 weeks, while adults aged 75 to 79 will be contacted by their GP.
If you’re eligible but haven’t been contacted yet, it’s advised to wait for your GP’s invitation rather than request the jab directly.
Other Precautions
While vaccination is the most effective way to protect against RSV, other measures can help reduce your risk of catching it.
Regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded places, and avoiding close contact with those who are ill are all recommended.
Smokers are encouraged to quit, as smoking increases the risk of severe RSV symptoms.
In time, experts believe the RSV jab will become as routine as the annual flu vaccine.
Until then, if you are eligible, don’t delay – get vaccinated and protect yourself against this deadly virus.
