In October 2022, respiratory infections led to an increase in calls to emergency services.1, a scenario that could repeat itself this year, as the latest indicators show. In severe cases, these infections can lead to serious consequences or even death².
Joana Louro, a specialist in internal medicine, attended Manhã CM to talk about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leaving several warnings. Watch the video:
Triple epidemic
The combination of COVID-19, influenza and RSV, with a simultaneous increase in cases of three pathologies, has had an unexpected impact in 2022.3. As a result of these viruses may increase hospitalizations and deaths – Older people and people with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk for severe outcomes4 – leaving hospitals and health systems under pressure in many countries, including Portugal.5.
If infected with RSV, people with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease carry an increased risk of hospitalization. and are therefore even more susceptible to serious consequences6.7.
In 2019, RSV was estimated to cause more than 3 million cases of acute respiratory failure, approximately 274 thousand hospitalizations, and approximately 20 thousand hospital deaths in European hospitals.8.
What is respiratory syncytial virus?
RSV, very contagiousis a seasonal virus that circulates mainly in autumn and winter in temperate climates.9. This virus usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.10. However, RSV is an important cause of respiratory diseaseeleven.
What is the clinical impact of RSV?
The disease affects people of all ages, mainly affecting infants, children and adults with risk factors.12. Let’s highlight some important data:
• Most children under two years of age have RSV infection, and the virus is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants.13.14.
• Adults 60 years of age and older and those with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious RSV infection, which can lead to hospitalization.15 and the consequences can be serious16.17which affects their functional state and quality of life in the long term18.
How is it transmitted?
RSV spreads easily through coughing and sneezingsurvives for several hours on hands and hard surfaces, which is very common in a family context.19,20,21. Transmission of the infection can occur through direct or indirect contact with nasal or oral secretions from infected people.20. Typically, infected people are contagious for three to eight days.19.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are very similar to those of other respiratory infections.22 and include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, and sore throat, the severity of which varies depending on the age and health of the individual.23.
Most common symptoms22.23
• Heat
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal discharge
• Cluster
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sneezing
• Increased wheezing (whistle when breathing)
• Difficulty breathing (or tachypnea).
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin as a result of insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood)
What complications can there be?
RSV infection is associated with the development of bronchiolitis, tracheobronchitis and viral pneumonia.23. And it can worsen chronic diseases such as COPD, asthma or congestive heart failure.23,24,25.
Can RSV infection be cured?
There is no specific treatment for RSV infection in adults.26. Standard treatment for acute infection includes supportive care and hydration.26.27.
And can this be prevented?
The risk of RSV transmission can be reduced by simple preventive measures such as hand washing, cleaning surfaces frequently, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
How to prevent RSV infection
• When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your hand, not your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as pens or cell phones.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• There are also vaccines indicated for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus. For more information, consult your doctor.
Remember that transmission can occur, as we mentioned above, through contact with contaminated surfaces, but primarily through direct physical contact with an infected person – the most important form of transmission.
So, People with symptoms similar to the common cold should not interact with high-risk children and adults.including premature babies, children under two years of age with chronic lung or heart disease, and children and adults age 60 and older with weakened immune systems.
Respiratory syncytial virus poses a hidden threat, especially for at-risk groups. Information and prevention are critical to mitigating the impact of this seasonal epidemic. Consult your doctor for specific instructions and pay attention to basic hygiene measures to protect yourself and others.
This content was developed with support from GSK. For more information, consult your doctor.
NP-PT-AVU-BRF-230004 | 11/2023
References:
1. https://www.cmjornal.pt/sociedade/detalhe/urgencias-cheias-com-aproximar-do-inverno
two. https://www.chln.min-saude.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/i029916.pdf
3. https://www.cmjornal.pt/sociedade/detalhe/caos-nas-urgencias-com-espera-de-14-horas
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023. RSV in older adults and adults with chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html [Consultado em agosto de 2023].
5. https://www.sabado.pt/ciencia—saude/detalhe/portugal-infecoes-respiratorias-atingem-numeros-recorde-e-aumentam-pressao-no-sns
6. Savich M., Penders Y., Shi T., Branchet A., Pearson J.Y. Burden of respiratory syncytial virus disease in adults aged 60 years and older in high-income countries: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Influenza Other respiratory viruses 2021 November 11
7. Branch A.R., Sayman L., Walsh E.E., Falsey A.R., Seeling W.D., Grindyke V., Peterson D.R., Vargas S.I., Phillips M., Finelli L. Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection among hospitalized adults, 2017–2020. Wedge Infectious Dis. 2022 March 23;74(6)
8. Barnett, K., Mercer, S. W., Norbury, M., Watt, G., Wyke, S., & Guthrie, B. (2012). Research work. The epidemiology of multimorbidity and its implications for healthcare, research and medical education: a cross-sectional study The Lancet online
9. Bloom-Feshbach K et al. PLoS One 2013;8:e54445.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. RSV in older adults and adults with chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html.
11. Battles M.B., McLellan J.S. Nat Rev Microbiol 2019;17:233–245
12. Openshaw P.J.M. et al Annu Rev Immunol 2017;35:501–532;
13. Nair H et al. Lancet 2010;375:1545–1555.
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection: symptoms and care. http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html
15. Savic M et al. Other respiratory influenza viruses 2023;17(1):e13031
16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2012. RSV in older adults and adults with chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html
17. Branch A.R. et al. Clin Infect Dis 2022;74(6):1004-1011
18. Curran D et al. Other Respiratory Influenza Viruses 2022;16:462–473
19. Griffiths S et al. Clin Microbiol Ed. 2016; 30: 277–319.
20. Heikkinen T. and others. Open Infect Dis forum 2015;2:ofu118
21. Kulkarni H et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 194:308–316
22. Kodama F et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2017; 31: 767–790
23. National Health Service (SNS24). Infectious diseases. Respiratory syncytial virus. https://www.sns24.gov.pt/tema/doencas-infecciosas/virus-sincicial-respiratorio/#
24. Folsey A.R. et al N Engl J Med 2005;352:1749–1759
25. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. RSV in older adults and adults with chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html
26. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. RSV – Symptoms and Care. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html
27. Smith D.K. et al. Am Fam Physician 2017; 95:94–99.
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.