Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) spreading across the United States, putting vulnerable groups such as infants and seniors at risk. As we head further into respiratory virus season, RSV hospitalizations are rising. Older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are among the most vulnerable to getting sick from RSV. At the moment, we are seeing a surge in hospitalizations especially for toddlers and babies. Children are typically hit first by RSV, followed by adults typically about 4 weeks later.
In the US, RSV kills as many as 300 children younger than 5 each year annually, hospitalizing up to 80,000 of kids in this age group. The virus hospitalizes up to 160,000 seniors, 10,000 of whom die from their infection.
Fortunately, safe and effective vaccines and preventive antibodies can prevent these bad outcomes. These preventive medications offer strong protection for pregnant individuals, infants, seniors, and adults with weakened immune systems.
