What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that primarily affects infants and young children, though it can also impact the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. The virus infects the nose, throat, lungs and breathing passages.
How is it spread?
RSV infections are more prevalent from late autumn through to early spring, during the coldest months of the year. RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
Epidemiology of RSV
RSV infections peak during the fall and winter months. Indigenous populations usually experience higher hospitalization rates compared to non-Indigenous populations.
Common symptoms
Most of the common symptoms appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus, and they are as follows:
- Congested or runny nose
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
Risk factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing severe RSV infections. These include:
- Age
- Comorbidities
- Environmental factors such as crowded living conditions or exposure to tobacco smoke
The following individuals are most at risk of complications:
- Infants aged six months or younger
- Premature infants
- Children with heart disease or chronic lung disease
- Children or adults with weakened immune systems
- Elderly aged 65 and older
Potential complications
- Hospitalization
- Pneumonia
- Bronchiolitis
- Middle ear infection
- Asthma
- Repeated infections
Prevention
- Nirsevimab is a man-made antibody that prevents complications associated with RSV. As a medication, it is administered by a single-dose injection into a muscle. The dose will be given free of charge starting November 4, 2024, at your nearest health centre. Note that, unlike newborns and some infants, older adults (60+) can only get the RSV vaccine (Arexvy and Abrysvo (Pfizer)), provided at a fee.
- Maintain good hand hygiene: wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
- Wear a face mask, and don’t forget to wash or sanitize your hands before and after each wear.
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces: Limit time spent at large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
- Limit contact with others when you are sick by staying at home. If you have been exposed to someone with RSV and you do not show symptoms, it’s important to monitor your symptoms. You may also want to reach out to a medical professional for further guidance on diagnosis, if necessary.
Side effects of immunization
- Mild side effects such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
- The medication is not recommended for infants and children with a history of severe allergic reactions.
Difference between nirsevimab and vaccination
- Nirsevimab are antibodies that directly protect against disease, whereas vaccines help activate the immune system.
Effectiveness
- Nirsevimab was 90% effective against RSV-associated hospitalization in infants in their first RSV season and can offer protection for at least five months.
Locations offering immunization against RSV in Quebec:
- CISSS and CIUSSS
- Birthing centres
- CLSC or local facilities
- Community health centres
- Nursing stations
Treatment
The infections are usually mild and clear up in one to two weeks. But it is recommended to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep. You may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and headache.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098#symptoms https://www.quebec.ca/sante/conseils-et-prevention/vaccination/immunisation-contre-infections-virus-respiratoire-syncytial-vrs https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/services/maladies/virus-respiratoire-syncytial-vrs.html https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/flu-prevention-and-coronavirus-infographic https://finance.yahoo.com/news/quebecs-inesss-recommends-beyfortus-prevention-110000001.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFijXcRJ6howGUngJLKklVLtXF_kvvHCKNWO31_VyFiDIIzn4Oaf-XjtAStaqGtasxJh-OVeuDZnYKnpf2z0ERCUMOdFnIcZONNQDQNjc_zgI–EKcDS9t8maXdmnUbm85kNQptkFaF5UTjcB0oW38VMudRYpBBvJagVmeXutTot&guccounter=2 https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a623033.html https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fvpd%2Frsv%2Fhcp%2Fchild-faqs.html https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/protect-infants.html#:~:text=An%20RSV%20antibody%20(nirsevimab)%20can,lasts%20at%20least%205%20months