This post was written based on an appearance by Tony GiaQuinta, MD, on the program PBS HealthLine.
When the temperature and leaves begin to drop, the arrival of respiratory virus season will soon follow. During this time of year, some of the most dangerous and contagious illnesses spread quickly. Although these viruses circulate year-round, the cooler temperatures and more time spent indoors increase their transmission. If you're not protected, there's a significant chance you could contract one of these viruses.
How does a vaccine affect an individual's natural immune system?
Vaccines are a safer way to teach the immune system to recognize a dangerous foreign pathogen without contracting the disease. Instead of giving someone the influenza virus, vaccines introduce them to a little piece, so the body will recognize it when those germs come along. The body's natural immune system triggers a reaction to that particle to develop immunity.
Why is it important to receive vaccinations at least once a year?
Annual vaccinations are necessary because immunity decreases and viruses evolve each year. Predicting which influenza variants will circulate every season can be challenging.
This year's flu vaccine has been about 50-60% effective at preventing hospitalization, though it may be less effective for high-risk populations. However, any amount of prevention, whether 30%, 40% or 50% effectiveness, is better than none.
How can these illnesses be differentiated?
RSV, COVID and the flu are all respiratory viruses, so there can be a lot of overlap in symptoms, but there are some subtle differences.
RSV stands for the respiratory syncytial virus. It primarily affects young children and older adults. Children will usually experience a persistent cough and congestion lasting for weeks. Other symptoms may include sneezing, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and decreased appetite and activity.
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with fever, cough, fatigue, and often a loss of taste or smell. It spreads through airborne droplets and aerosols, with severe cases causing respiratory distress, organ damage and potential long-term complications.
The flu typically has a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. It spreads via droplets and contaminated surfaces, with high-risk groups including young children, older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Why is RSV so dangerous?
RSV is highly contagious and infects roughly two-thirds of all children before they turn two years old. About 2-3% of children who contract RSV may require hospitalization due to the virus. Although death from RSV is very rare, the illness can last for several weeks. Hospitalized children typically spend at least four to five days in the hospital.
The RSV virus spreads through droplets in the air and can survive on hard surfaces for several hours and on hands for up to 30 minutes. When a child sneezes or rubs their nose and then touches a surface, that virus can be transferred to another child who may also rub their nose and touch the same surface. This creates a chain reaction, spreading the virus rapidly through a school or daycare and subsequently into homes.
What vaccines and treatments are available for RSV?
One of the most challenging aspects of RSV is the lack of effective medications for treatment, unlike other diseases. However, we can now prevent it from three different angles.
Abrysvo® is specifically designed for pregnant women. A pregnant mother can receive this vaccine after 36 weeks, which allows her to pass antibodies to the baby. As a result, the baby does not need to receive the vaccine directly.
A new preventive medication called Beyfortus® is available for infants under eight months old. This antibody treatment protects against RSV, preventing hospitalization by about 70% with just one shot.
The FDA has also approved several RSV vaccines for people over 60, including Arexvy®, mResvia® and Abrysvo.
Final thoughts
Remember, prevention is the best defense against communicable illnesses. Along with remaining current on vaccines, frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when feeling unwell are also effective measures to help reduce the spread of these viruses.
Speak with your healthcare provider about the right vaccines and treatments for your family. If you or your child does not have a provider, find one by visiting the website here or calling 877-PPG-TODAY.
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