2024-03-19 23:30:00
Health Decoding | Chronically ill patients and the elderly should beware of RSV infection and get vaccinated to strengthen protection in preparation for the peak of the outbreak
March is the season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) every year. Elderly people and people with chronic diseases need to be extra careful because once they are infected, they are at a higher risk of complications and severe illness. Some experts say, People with chronic diseases and other comorbidities should strengthen their own prevention once morest the RSV virus. Vaccines are now available, which can provide sufficient protection before the season changes to the peak of the outbreak.
People with chronic illness are at higher risk of complications from RSV infection
Anyone can be infected with the RSV virus, but the elderly (especially those with long-term illnesses) and those with other comorbidities are at higher risk. The risk of complications following infection is also higher. Studies have shown that regarding 35% of high-risk individuals will develop pneumonia following being infected with RSV; some cases may evolve into asthma and require long-term medication.
Many RSV patients mistakenly think it is caused by influenza in the early stages of the disease. Dr. Wu Jianbang, a specialist in medical oncology, said that influenza generally causes muscle aches and high fever, while RSV causes more runny noses. It is necessary to confirm which virus is infected. Patients can use test strips for testing and seek medical advice as early as possible.
At present, there are no specific drugs once morest the RSV virus, and symptomatic treatment can only be carried out through palliative drugs. Dr. Wu said that most patients will gradually recover within a week following the onset of the disease, but high-risk groups may have chronic diseases or secondary infections, so treatment will take longer. He reminded that with the change of season and the reduction in wearing masks following the epidemic, RSV infection cases are expected to increase, and high-risk individuals should take preventive measures as early as possible.
Vaccination once morest respiratory tract infections
As for preventive measures, Dr. Wu pointed out that there are now vaccines that can protect once morest the RSV virus. He cited research that showed that following receiving the RSV vaccine, people over 60 years old and the elderly with at least one long-term disease (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma , diabetes and heart disease), the protective efficacy is regarding 80 to 95%. Even following two infection peak periods, regarding 80% of lower respiratory tract infection cases can be prevented: “For the elderly or people with other comorbidities, even if they are infected following vaccination, the risk of severe illness and hospitalization will be lower.” And related vaccines It is also suitable for patients with chronic diseases to provide adequate protection.
Some people may be worried that if they have received influenza and COVID-19 vaccines successively in recent years, will there be more side effects when injected with RSV vaccine? Dr. Wu said that the RSV vaccine has been proven safe and effective by research. A small number of people may experience side effects such as muscle pain following vaccination, which is similar to that of general vaccination. The public does not need to worry too much. If you have a long-term illness or even cancer, it is recommended to proactively check with your treating doctor to learn when to get vaccinated to enhance protection before the peak of the outbreak.
62-year-old Mr. Zhang (pseudonym) was diagnosed with lung cancer six months ago and is still receiving chemotherapy. He said that his resistance is not as good as before following taking the medicine. About a few weeks ago, he began to develop symptoms such as fever and runny nose. He was initially thought to be caused by the flu. However, symptoms such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing soon followed, forcing him to be admitted to the hospital for examination. It was found that he was infected with the RSV virus and developed a secondary bacterial infection, causing “flowers” in his lungs. Ultimately, he needed a week of antibiotics and his cancer treatment was postponed.
Dr. Wu Jianbang, Specialist in Medical Oncology
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