Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention: A New Era of Vaccines

Department

Infectious Diseases

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a pathogen that primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Children, individuals aged 60 and above, and individuals with impaired immune systems are more susceptible to developing RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), which can result in fatalities in some instances. Symptoms of LRTI include shortness of breath, wheezing, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis. Current management of RSV-LRTI includes conservative and symptomatic treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved two vaccines that effectively prevent acute and severe RSV-LRTI requiring hospitalizations. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is approved for infants born at 35 weeks of gestation and above. At the same time, RSVPreF3 OA (Arexvy) is recommended for adults aged 60 and older. Both vaccines are effective against the two major strains of RSV and require single doses to induce immunity. In this article, we will discuss the mechanism of action, effectiveness, and side effects of these novel vaccines and their possible impact.

First Page

e45012

DOI

10.7759/cureus.45012

Volume

15

Issue

9

Publication Date

9-1-2023

PubMed ID

37829940

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