DeepSummary
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms, but can lead to severe outcomes and hospitalizations, especially in older adults aged 60 and above. As people age, their immune systems weaken, making them more vulnerable to infections like RSV. Despite efforts dating back to 1955, developing an effective RSV vaccine has been challenging due to the virus's ability to evade the immune system and the lack of long-lasting immunity after natural infection.
However, recent scientific advances have provided insights into targeting the RSV surface fusion glycoprotein, which plays a crucial role in the initial phases of infection. For the first time, RSV vaccines are now available in the United States, offering a tool to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in older adults.
Healthcare providers are advised to familiarize themselves with the CDC's recommendations for RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 and older, and to discuss vaccination options with their patients. Patients with Medicare Part B can receive CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket expenses, while commercially insured patients should inquire about coverage for RSV vaccination.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Healthcare providers are advised to familiarize themselves with the CDC's recommendations for RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 and older, and to discuss vaccination options with their patients.
- Patients with Medicare Part B can receive CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket expenses, while commercially insured patients should inquire about coverage for RSV vaccination.
- The availability of RSV vaccines is a significant breakthrough in protecting older adults from severe respiratory infections caused by this previously challenging virus.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe outcomes and hospitalizations, especially in older adults aged 60 and above.
- As people age, their immune systems weaken, making them more vulnerable to infections like RSV.
- Despite efforts dating back to 1955, developing an effective RSV vaccine has been challenging due to the virus's ability to evade the immune system and the lack of long-lasting immunity after natural infection.
- Recent scientific advances have provided insights into targeting the RSV surface fusion glycoprotein, which plays a crucial role in the initial phases of infection.
- For the first time, RSV vaccines are now available in the United States, offering a tool to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in older adults.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Each year, approximately 177,000 adult age 65 and older are hospitalized in the US due to RSV. And an estimated 14,000 of these cases result in death.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
- “So what RSV does is that even in elderly individual, it could present as common code, but in some cases it could be severe, it could present as code. In certain individuals, it could present as even worse outcomes.“ by Dr. Temi Fuller on me
- “RSV vaccines have evaded scientists for over 60 years. Scientists have been searching for ways to get ahead of RSV as early as 1955, when a virus was discovered in chimpanzees suffering from respiratory symptoms.“ by You
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Episode Information
Science, Quickly
Scientific American
1/30/24
This year, healthcare providers have tools to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV for older adults.