Understanding the epidemiology of RSV in adults is critical for vaccination.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to be a public health problem, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. An enveloped single-stranded RNA virus, RSV has two large antigenic subgroups, A and B, that circulate in autumn and winter, with December being the period of maximum activity in Europe. Infection with this virus can be particularly severe in older people, with a tendency to shed the virus for longer and have a higher incidence of complications compared to younger people.. Comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure significantly increase the risk of serious RSV infections, further exacerbating the burden on the healthcare system.

Surveillance and prevention

New surveillance and prevention strategies have been implemented to address this problem. The Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (SiVIRA) in Spain has adapted its approach to include not only influenza and COVID-19, but also RSV.

allowing for a better understanding of disease burden and facilitating early intervention.

An important aspect of preventing serious complications of RSV in adults is vaccination.. Recently, the Spanish Medicines and Health Products Agency (AEMPS) approved two vaccines: Areksvi and Abrysvo. The former vaccine contains the recombinant RSV F glycoprotein along with the AS01E adjuvant, while Abrysvo is a prefusion vaccine based on the bivalent recombinant F protein subunit. Both vaccines have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of lower respiratory tract disease in adults over 60 years of age.

In this sense, it is important to understand thatVaccination not only reduces the risk of disease, but also reduces its severity and increases protection for the most vulnerable groups of the population.. Therefore, to mitigate the impact of RSV on adult health and thereby better understand the epidemiology of the virus, a comprehensive approach that includes personal hygiene measures and effective communication is necessary.

The document “Recommendations for vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus” by the Pnevmoexpert Prevention Group emphasizes that the mortality rate from RSV in people over 70 years of age exceeds that of other age groups. On the other hand, adults over 60 years of age, especially those with underlying health conditions, may have significantly higher rates of infection and mortality, highlighting the importance of vaccination in this population.

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Multidisciplinary approach

In addition, studies have shown that RSV infection can be complicated by cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias, and that survival rates one year after hospitalization for RSV are lower among adults with congestive heart failure or exacerbations of congestive heart failure.

Thus, solving the problem of RSV in adults requires a multidisciplinary approach, including surveillance, prevention and effective treatment. Continued research and collaboration between scientists, health systems, and vaccine manufacturers are needed to improve our knowledge of this disease and develop effective public health strategies.

Vaccination against RSV is emerging as a key pillar in this fight, offering hope for a future in which the burden of this disease is significantly reduced. However, it is also important to educate the public about the importance of vaccination and promote additional preventative measures such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Ultimately, further collaborative research is needed to improve our knowledge of disease burden and the effects of prevention and control interventions. Developing evidence-based strategies to protect vulnerable populations from RSV is essential to reducing the public health impact of this disease.

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