October 10, 2024 – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms, but can cause severe illness in older adults, especially those over 75. Therefore, RSV vaccination is important for prevention. Kizmekia Corbett-Helaire, assistant professor of immunology and infectious diseases at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, points to the possibility of an infectious disease.
On the Oct. 3 WebMD podcast, Corbett-Helaire said that while RSV is commonly known to infect young children, it is more common in older adults, especially groups with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. He explained that there is an increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
“The most important thing to remember when it comes to preventing disease, especially severe disease, is that vaccines are overall the most valuable tool for prevention,” said Dr. Corbett-Helaire. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
He said that during vaccine development, a vaccine is generally considered good if it is 50-60% effective at preventing serious infections. Previous studies have shown that the RSV vaccine is 80-90% effective. Such a level of protection is “remarkable and means the vaccine is really good,” Corbett-Helaire said, noting that one dose appears to provide high protection for about two years. did.
Listen to the WebMD podcast or read the transcript: Understanding RSV in Older Adults: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
– Jay Lau
Photo: iStock/Zinkevich
