October Marks RSV Awareness Month

Below, the Global Alliance for Patient Access details the importance of increasing awareness about the burden of RSV and the value of prevention.

Understanding RSV

RSV is a common respiratory virus that most children encounter by the age of two. While it can manifest with mild symptoms in many cases, RSV poses a significant threat to infants, especially those under six months, as well as older adults. Severe cases can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, often resulting in hospitalizations and long-term complications.

Recent Innovations and Prevention Strategies

Recent advancements in RSV prevention are welcome news for patients, healthcare providers and the public at large. One of the most promising developments is nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody that has been shown to reduce the risk of severe RSV in infants by around 80%. This immunization, recommended for babies younger than eight months during their first RSV season, exemplifies the progress in preventive healthcare. A maternal RSV vaccine for the protection of infants is another recently approved option in some parts of the world.

Raising Awareness

RSV spreads primarily through close contact and is most active in winter. While hygiene practices such as handwashing can mitigate the spread, increasing access to immunizations is paramount. With more treatments becoming available, families and healthcare systems stand to benefit from improved health outcomes.

Commitment to the Fight Against RSV

By raising awareness and supporting immunization efforts, advocates can reduce the burden of RSV and protect the most vulnerable populations.

See more RSV resources from the Global Alliance for Patient Access here.