Summer is coming to an end, and with with it comes preparation for the virus season. For the first time, the British health system started mass vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus RSV, NOVA reported.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or so-called RSV, is expected to be one of the challenges facing England's hospitals alongside flu and coronavirus. And this is not because it is highly contagious or because little is known about how it is treated, but because it affects newborns and the elderly most severely.
Every year around 213,000 children in Europe end up in hospital because of it, and globally it has become the leading cause of child mortality in recent years. That is why the RSV vaccine was developed.
Health Britain has urged pregnant women and people over 75 to get the RSV vaccine now. “RSV is one of the common viruses that cause symptoms such as cold, runny nose, stuffy nose, cough and sometimes fever. In some people, it can lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. There is no specific treatment for RSV. Therefore, in some more serious cases, hospitalization is reached. The good news is that there is now a vaccine that helps build up protection against RSV," said GP Dr Mike Coates.
Every winter nearly 90% of children under 2 in the UK contract the virus. For most, the disease is mild, but for those born prematurely and suffering from a weakened immune system, it poses a great risk.
„Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection that spreads easily, causing coughing and difficulty breathing in children under the age of two. 8 out of 10 cases of bronchiolitis are caused precisely by the RSV virus. Most babies infected with it, fortunately, get better on their own at home after a few days. But 30,000 children are admitted to hospital each year for treatment. We support their breathing with oxygen and special equipment, their feeding with things like feeding tubes. However, there is no cure for RSV and sadly, around 20 to 40 babies die each year in the UK from the disease," said pediatrician Dr Lauren Philby.
Even the grandson of Deputy Health Minister Andrew Gwynn, who personally spearheaded the RSV vaccination campaign, was among those seriously ill.
„It was really traumatizing to watch Lyall put into an induced coma in the intensive care unit with all kinds of machines trying to save his life. I'll show you a picture of him being put on life support. It is such a painful sight that it makes me even more deeply saddened. No child should have to go through this. But every year it happens to 30,000 infants, and 20 or 30 families lose their babies unnecessarily. Because RSV is a completely preventable disease. I would give the following advice to any mother-to-be: “Get vaccinated because I don't want you to lose the most precious thing you have, like Lyall and I almost did,' urged the Deputy Minister.
Studies have shown that vaccinating women after the 28th week of their pregnancy reduces the risk of severe lung infection for their babies by around 70% if contracted in the first six months of life.