RSV respiratory syncytial virus is more potent than influenza and has no cure but can be prevented with vaccines | am730

When it comes to respiratory-related diseases, many people may immediately think of COVID-19 and the flu that is reported in the news from time to time. But, do you know about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that caused “god” Jacky Cheung to cancel his concert earlier? RSV infection is a common respiratory infection that occurs throughout the year. infected with RSV before age 2! Severe RSV infection can lead to serious complications and even death However, there is currently no treatment plan for RSV infection in the medical community. Despite RSV being “untreatable”, how should citizens prevent themselves and their families from being at risk?

RSV virus symptoms are similar and difficult to distinguish among the three types of viruses throughout the year.

Dr. Xu Jianming, a respiratory system specialist, said that there are chances of being infected with RSV all year round, and the symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the flu and COVID-19, and can cause symptoms such as fever, cause a cough. , and runny nose are common respiratory viruses in Hong Kong, so RSV infection should not be taken lightly.

Babies and young children may be at higher risk of developing asthma after an infection, while the elderly may need extra care

Last year, there was a case of RSV cluster infection in Tuen Mun Hospital. Many babies were infected, and some were even in serious condition. Studies have found that RSV is the main respiratory virus causing hospitalization in infants under 1 year of age in Hong Kong. In addition, some studies have shown that after premature babies are infected with RSV, their hospital days, the need for treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit, and the intubation rate all higher than those of full-term children; The risk is also 20 to 30% higher than children who are not infected with RSV.

In addition to infants 6 months or younger and premature babies, Dr. Xu said the elderly, people with heart disease or chronic lung disease, and people with compromised immune systems are also at risk for RSV infection. RSV is the second leading cause of death in Hong Kong among people aged 65 or older who are hospitalized with viral respiratory infections. Dr Xu said: “There was a 93-year-old male patient with smoking habits and COPD.becauseRSVComplicated infection with Klebsiella pneumonia and hospitalization for more than4Weekonce the assistance of a ventilator was required. Even after seniors recover and are released from the hospital, their lives may still be affected and they may need additional care. “

Pregnant women who are vaccinated against RSV can pass on antibodies to their newborns

Current treatments for RSV usually focus on treating symptoms, such as over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and other symptoms, rather than specifically targeting the RSV virus itself. Dr. Xu said that in recent years, the medical community has developed various vaccines that can prevent RSV infection for pregnant women and the elderly aged 60 or older until the get vaccinated: “Although pregnant women themselves are not at high risk of serious RSV infection, they are Maternal antibodies can protect the unborn child. more than 90%.

As for the elderly aged 60 or older, Dr. Xu also recommends getting vaccinated against RSV, especially those with weakened immunity or those with chronic diseases such as heart disease or lung disease that at higher risk of RSV infection. Seniors age 60 or older with generally healthy immune systems can effectively prevent up to 80% of lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia caused by RSV after receiving a single dose of RSV vaccine.

Dr. Xu reminded that before getting the RSV vaccine, you should consult a doctor first. If the situation is appropriate, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible to avoid putting yourself and your a family in a dangerous situation where there is no cure.

The above information is provided by Pfizer Hong Kong

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