RSV

I am refraining from fearing winter and calling it the “cozy season” in keeping with the Danish aesthetic of “Hygge” or creating a cozy warmth through the winter months. Nonetheless, we cannot avoid the fact that colder temperatures come with more illness. Contrary to the wives tale that cold exposure leads to viral illness, most often these illnesses occur because we are cooped up together with little opportunity for fresh air circulation.

Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold like symptoms in most people. The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to a more severe complicated course when they develop RSV.

We have always had a program for preterm infants to be vaccinated for RSV. In infants and young children under 2, RSV is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia and is also a major cause of hospitalizations for young children. In Ontario, newborns are offered the RSV vaccine in the newborn nursery shortly after delivery. There is also a “catch up” program for children under two to receive this through their primary care provider. This vaccine is called Beyfortus. It will be offered as a publicly funded vaccine again this fall to young children.

 In older adults, RSV can lead to severe respiratory illness, hospitalization and even death. The RSV vaccine for older adults is called Arexvy. It is recommended for adults over 60 years of age. Since it was launched in 2023, it required a prescription and was not publicly funded. In the 2025 season, it will be funded for those over 75 and for those who might be immunocompromised due to a chronic health condition. This vaccine will be available through your health care provider but presently not authorized to be given at your pharmacy.

So snuggle up, draw the shawl closely around your shoulders and assess your RSV risk to stay safe this winter!

 

 

Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!