Join hands to prevent respiratory diseases caused by RSV virus

(Chinhphu.vn) - Experts emphasize that RSV is not only an acute infection but also has long-term effects on the quality of life of patients, especially the elderly. In the context of Vietnam entering a period of rapid population aging, the identification and prevention of respiratory diseases caused by RSV is considered a priority in protecting public health.

On October 23, in Ho Chi Minh City, Pfizer Vietnam coordinated with the Vietnam Respiratory Society to organize a scientific conference with the theme "Pioneering mission, repeating the cycle of protection".

The event brought together more than 500 health workers from many specialties to update the latest scientific information on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), discuss prevention and care solutions and promote multi-sectoral cooperation in protecting public health, especially for the two most vulnerable groups: young children and the elderly.

RSV virus is the cause of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Join hands to close the "protective circle" against respiratory diseases caused by RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections, affecting approximately 64 million people and causing 160,000 deaths each year globally. According to statistics, up to 75% of RSV hospitalizations occur in healthy, full-term infants, showing that no group of infants is completely immune to this virus.

In the elderly, especially those aged 60 and over, RSV can cause severe complications, even requiring treatment in the intensive care unit, especially in those with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

Experts say RSV is an "intergenerational" public health issue: protecting children today is building a foundation for the health of future generations; at the same time, protecting the elderly also contributes to reducing the risk of transmission within the family.

Newborns and infants under 6 months of age are the group most severely affected by RSV. Each year, an estimated 3.6 million hospitalizations and more than 45,000 deaths occur in infants under 6 months of age due to RSV infection.

During the period when the immune system is still weak, the baby depends heavily on passive antibodies received from the mother during pregnancy. This is considered the "first shield" to help prevent respiratory infections.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Vice President of the Vietnam Obstetrics and Gynecology Association, spoke at the conference.

According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Vice President of the Vietnam Obstetrics and Gynecology Association: "There is currently no specific treatment for RSV, while natural immunity after infection is not sustainable, causing children to be re-infected many times. Taking care of and monitoring pregnancy health, respiratory hygiene and following medical instructions from the early stages of life are very important. Protecting newborns also means laying the foundation for a healthy respiratory system in the long term."

RSV in young children can cause pneumonia, bronchiolitis, acute respiratory failure, requiring hospitalization in many cases. In addition to the acute effects, studies show that children who have had RSV are at high risk of developing asthma or chronic wheezing when they grow up.

At the other end of the "protective loop", the elderly are also at high risk of severe progression when infected with RSV. Associate Professor, Dr. Le Khac Bao, Deputy Director of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said: "Elderly people with RSV can trigger or worsen underlying diseases such as COPD, asthma, heart failure, and arrhythmia. International data shows that for every 10 elderly people infected with RSV, 1 person must be admitted to the intensive care unit. Notably, about a third of patients have difficulty in daily activities after being discharged from the hospital."

Associate Professor, Dr. Le Khac Bao, Deputy Director of University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, presented at the conference.

Experts emphasize that RSV is not only an acute infection but also has long-term effects on the quality of life of patients, especially the elderly. In the context of Vietnam entering a period of rapid population aging, the identification and prevention of respiratory diseases caused by RSV is considered a priority in protecting public health.

The conference "Pioneering Mission, Loop Protection" is not only a forum for academic exchange but also an opportunity to strengthen connections between experts, management agencies, health facilities and the community in efforts to reduce the disease burden caused by RSV.

Experts agree that for the "protective loop" to operate effectively, it is necessary to synchronously combine medical measures and personal preventive behaviors, including: Regular hand washing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, keeping the living environment clean; Monitoring health and following the instructions of medical staff; Increasing public awareness of infectious respiratory diseases.

The conference also updated progress in research on pregnancy immunity and experiences from prevention models around the world. On that basis, experts recommended promoting public-private partnerships and community health communication, helping people to be more proactive in health care.

Dr. Mark Fletcher, Senior Director, Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, shared at the conference

According to Dr. Mark Fletcher, Senior Medical Director of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer, RSV prevention should not be focused only on infants. When communities work together to protect older adults and maintain good hygiene, we can create a comprehensive circle of protection, significantly reducing the number of severe cases and the burden on the health system.

At the conference, delegates agreed that, in the context that respiratory diseases remain the leading cause of hospitalization and death in both children and the elderly, proactive prevention measures should be considered a long-term strategy.

In addition to medical factors, raising awareness among families and communities is especially important, from pregnancy care, monitoring the health of young children, to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the elderly.

Vinh Hoang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chung-tay-phong-ngua-benh-duong-ho-hap-do-virus-rsv-gay-ra-102251027162846037.htm