Vaccine
Talk

RSV (HCP)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus of the respiratory tract. While it can infect all ages, greatest risk is in infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity.

Overview

RSV primarily infects the nose, throat and lungs and is a leading cause of respiratory illness in young children globally. Most are infected by age two; disease is often mild but can be severe in vulnerable groups.

Symptoms

• Runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, decreased appetite

In infants/young children RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Severe signs include dyspnea, tachypnea, cyanosis and dehydration.

Transmission and Seasonality

Spreads via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces (tables, toys, doorknobs). Season peaks in colder months (late autumn–early spring) in temperate climates.

High‑risk groups

• Infants (especially <6 months), premature babies
• Children with chronic lung/heart disease
• Adults ≥65 years
• Immunocompromised people

Complications and Outcomes

• Bronchiolitis, pneumonia
• Exacerbation of asthma/COPD
• Hospitalization in infants and the elderly
• Rarely fatal in very young children and older adults with comorbidities

Prevention

• Hand hygiene; clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid close contact with sick persons; limit crowds for high‑risk infants in RSV season
• Respiratory etiquette (cover coughs/sneezes)

Immunization

• Monoclonal antibodies for high‑risk infants/children to give seasonal passive protection
• Newly approved vaccines for older adults and for pregnant women (to protect newborns via transplacental antibodies); roll‑out is expanding globally and expected in Egypt

Global Burden and Challenges

RSV drives millions of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths annually, especially among young children in LMICs.
Key challenges: limited access to immunization, low awareness, clinical overlap with other viruses, and seasonal surges straining health systems.

WHO Response

• Support R&D for vaccines/therapeutics
• Strengthen global surveillance and guidance for IPC and clinical care
• Advocate equitable access to prevention and treatment

RSV in Egypt

2007–2008 Cairo University Pediatric Hospital study (infants with pneumonia/bronchopneumonia): RSV detected in 85% (58/68) via RT‑PCR; subtypes A 21%, B 36%, co‑infection A+B 43%. Highest rate at 2–3 months. Fever, wheeze, tachypnea, cyanosis common; CXR consolidation associated with RSV.
Conclusion: major cause of severe LRTI; RT‑PCR of NPA is effective; continued surveillance needed.

National outpatient survey (Oct 2022; 98 clinics; n=530 children): Influenza 25.3%, RSV 20.9%, co‑infection 2.8%. RSV cases were younger (mean 4.3y vs 7.2y for influenza). Dyspnea more frequent with RSV (62.2% vs 49.3%), especially in <2 years (86.7% vs 53.1%).
Conclusion: marked resurgence in 2022–2023; RSV linked to more severe symptoms in younger children; broadened viral surveillance is needed.

References:CDC – RSV |WHO – RSV fact sheet |Egypt national outpatient survey 2022 |Egypt J Med Microbiol 2010

Synagis

Abrysvo