RSV Vaccine: Protecting Against COPD and Asthma Attacks

In Hong Kong, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection occur throughout the year. The elderly and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization once’ s that they are infected. In the past, people could only prevent this virus by maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. Now, new vaccines are available that can reduce the risk of infection. -reduce lower respiratory tract after infection avoid worsening the existing condition.

Granny Zhang (pseudonym), who has been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for several years, is in a stable condition and rarely suffers from severe attacks. She went to the hospital for further treatment later, she was diagnosed with obstructive lung disease. The attending physician assessed her clinical symptoms and decided that she would be tested for a virus and that she would remain in the hospital for three weeks before recovering and being discharged.

Acute illness or attack

RSV is a single-stranded RNA virus that can cause respiratory infections In the past, we thought that only children were at high risk for RSV infection In fact, older people, People with COPD and asthma should be especially careful. Respiratory system specialist Dr. Tan Zijun pointed out that the initial symptoms of RSV infection may be similar to a cold, such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Patients may not take it seriously, but it will soon spread to the upper and middle ways breathing, causing tracheal narrowing and severe illness: “This group of patients has a higher admission rate and a longer hospital stay, and their treatment will be very complicated.”

In fact, for the elderly and those with chronic health problems, RSV can cause pneumonia or bronchitis, inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. Sometimes, RSV can worsen heart failure.

Vaccines reduce the chance of serious disease

However, at the moment there is no specific drug against RSV. Dr. Tam believes the first thing to do is seek medical treatment, control fever and pain with medication, and add enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Second, if the patient is prescribed some rescue kits that contain steroids and antibiotics, they can be used when needed. If symptoms of a serious illness appear, medications should be taken as usual so that the original condition does not worsen.

To reduce the effects of RSV on yourself, Dr. Tam said the most effective way is to get vaccinated, especially for the elderly over 60 years old, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Some studies have shown that vaccination against RSV can reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract infections after RSV infection in people with at least one co-infection by 94.6%; and it can reduce the risk of lower respiratory infections in people over 60 by 82.6%. %. He said even if you are infected with RSV after vaccination, you can avoid the risk of severe attacks, serious illness and hospitalization.

Dr. Tan suggested that the high-risk people mentioned above can consult the attending doctors and schedule vaccinations according to their condition and financial situation to deal with the most time height of RSV virus outbreak.