Latest news with #RSV-related
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning to Brits to brace for winter surge of serious respiratory virus after record cases in Australia
NHS England is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated to help shield their newborns VIRUS WARNING Warning to Brits to brace for winter surge of serious respiratory virus after record cases in Australia BRITAIN should brace for a winter surge in a serious respiratory virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said. Medics Down Under have been swamped with cases of RSV, which is a leading cause of death among babies and the main cause of hospital admissions for children. Advertisement 2 The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital Credit: Alamy 2 Britiain should brace for a winter surge in a serious respiratory virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said Credit: Getty NHS England is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against RSV to help shield their newborns. The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital. Pregnant women can receive the jab from 28 weeks onwards via their maternity care team or GP. Adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible, with NHS England set to begin sending out invitations in the coming weeks. Advertisement Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: "While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation. "Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating." The UK Health Security Agency last week released data on the vaccine's effectiveness. It found that the jab can prevent 72% of RSV-related hospital admissions in babies when given during pregnancy. Advertisement It also found the vaccine 82% effective at reducing hospitalisations among older adults.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning to Brits to brace for winter surge of serious respiratory virus after record cases in Australia
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN should brace for a winter surge in a serious respiratory virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said. Medics Down Under have been swamped with cases of RSV, which is a leading cause of death among babies and the main cause of hospital admissions for children. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital Credit: Alamy 2 Britiain should brace for a winter surge in a serious respiratory virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said Credit: Getty NHS England is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against RSV to help shield their newborns. The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital. Pregnant women can receive the jab from 28 weeks onwards via their maternity care team or GP. Adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible, with NHS England set to begin sending out invitations in the coming weeks. Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: "While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation. "Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating." The UK Health Security Agency last week released data on the vaccine's effectiveness. It found that the jab can prevent 72% of RSV-related hospital admissions in babies when given during pregnancy. It also found the vaccine 82% effective at reducing hospitalisations among older adults.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
RSV can boost seniors' heart risks
London: Older adults hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) face an elevated risk of developing heart failure and a dangerous heart rhythm problem, a Canadian study found. The risk for heart failure was seen even in individuals without a history of heart problems, researchers reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The researchers reviewed data on more than 100,000 adults aged 65 and older hospitalized in Ontario between 2011 and 2020 for either RSV, influenza, urinary tract infection, or a fracture. The proportion of patients with a subsequent cardiovascular event was 18.5% after an RSV-related hospitalization, compared to 17.7%, 12.1% and 8.4% after hospitalizations for influenza, urinary tract infection, or fracture, respectively. In comparisons of patients who were closely matched according to demographics and risk factors, heart failure (10%-11%) was the most common outcome for RSV patients, occurring in 10% to 11%. Next most common was the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, occurring in 5% to 6% of RSV patients. The risk for those outcomes, as well as for heart attack, "was at least two to three times higher in patients with a pre-existing cardiovascular condition compared to those without," the researchers also said. "Our findings reinforce the importance of RSV vaccination in older adults and suggest that monitoring for signs of heart disease following an RSV illness may be pragmatic," study leader Chris Verschoor of Health Sciences North Research Institute in Sudbury, Ontario, said in a statement. DYE TEST CAN HELP AVOID INTESTINE SURGERY Sending dye through the small intestine to look for blockages has been sparing a significant proportion of patients from needing to undergo surgery, a new study shows. The dye, Gastrografin from Bracco Diagnostics Inc., is administered to symptomatic patients before an X-ray or CT scan so that surgeons can see the location and severity of any so-called adhesive small bowel obstructions. Researchers reviewed nationwide data on more than 20,000 patients with suspected small bowel obstruction managed in two periods - 2012 to 2016, before Gastrografin was widely used for this purpose, and 2019 to 2023, when using Gastrografin to visualize intestinal blockages was a standard of care. They found nearly a 45% decrease in surgeries for small bowel obstruction in the Gastrografin era, from 13,257 to 7,333. Small bowel obstruction accounts for 15% of hospital admissions in the U.S., with about 20% of cases needing surgery to reconstruct the intestine, the researchers said. The resulting healthcare costs total over $3 billion each year. Despite better small bowel obstruction outcomes overall, post-surgery mortality increased from 4.4% to 5.9% after use of the dye became standard, and reoperations within 30 days rose from 4.7% to 6.2% - likely because surgeries were probably more complex in the later era, the researchers said. Gastrografin testing had weeded out patients with relatively mild obstructions who ultimately didn't need surgery, they added. "Previously, patients who had a relatively mild adhesive small bowel obstruction would have been operated on, as we didn't have an alternative option," study leader Dr. Robert McLoughlin from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington said in a statement. "This meant that in the post-Gastrografin era, the surgeries were more complex and challenging, hence the increased morbidity and mortality." Still, because surgeons have gotten better at managing patients after surgery for small bowel obstructions, patients in the Gastrografin group averaged 6 days in the hospital, versus about 10 days for patients treated before the Gastrografin era, the researchers reported in the Journal of Surgical Research. The current study was not designed to prove that any of the outcomes were the result of Gastrografin use, the article pointed out. McLoughlin recalled that during a discussion with a younger colleague about managing small bowel obstructions, he mentioned that when he was in training, surgeons operated "on a lot more" of these patients. That recollection prompted the current study, he said.
Daily Maverick
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
New respiratory virus vaccine a game changer for babies, but cost remains a barrier
A new respiratory syncytial virus vaccine to protect infants from severe illness is available in South Africa's private sector, but not yet in public clinics. The country's advisory group on immunisations has recommended making it available to all pregnant women. This proposal is now under review by the national Department of Health. Like the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is highly contagious. It is spread through airborne respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. RSV infection is often difficult to distinguish from the common cold. This is because it has similar symptoms and typically clears up without medical intervention. However, in some cases, it can become serious enough to need medical care or even a hospital stay, especially for babies under six months old, who are the most vulnerable. Severe illness typically affects the lower respiratory tract and can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can cause difficulty breathing. Babies who are admitted to hospital may need extra help, such as oxygen to help them breathe, fluids through a drip to keep them hydrated, and in serious cases, a machine to help them breathe. RSV is a major cause of illness and death in children under five, especially in the first six months of life in low- and middle-income countries. A recent global study estimated that in 2019, RSV was responsible for just over 100,000 deaths in children under five. This made up 2% of all deaths in this age group, and 3.6% of deaths in babies aged 28 days to six months. Nearly half of all RSV-related deaths occurred in babies under six months, and 97% of these deaths were in low- and middle-income countries. A new vaccine to prevent RSV in infants A new vaccine provides infants with significant protection against severe RSV disease. It is given to pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy (from week 28 to birth). Protective antibodies elicited by the vaccine are transferred from the mother to the foetus across the placenta. Currently, only one pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, markets the maternal RSV vaccine. It is sold under the brand name Abrysvo. It is also known by the generic name RSVpreF. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approved Abrysvo in December 2024, and it became available in the country's private sector in 2025. The effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing severe RSV disease was first announced in November 2022. This followed early positive results from the Maternal Immunisation Study for Safety and Efficacy (Matisse) which was conducted in 18 countries, including South Africa. It showed that infants born to mothers who received the maternal RSV vaccine had an 82.4% lower risk of developing severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness within the first 90 days of life than infants whose mothers received a placebo. At 180 days after birth, the vaccine was 70% effective in reducing the risk of severe RSV illness. Recommendations from health agencies By September 2023, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended giving the RSV vaccine to pregnant women to help protect their babies from severe illness. One year later, in September 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that all countries introduce the maternal RSV vaccine. It also recommended an alternative for babies whose mothers weren't vaccinated: a single dose of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, ideally given at birth or before discharge from the birthing facility. While acknowledging cost limitations, the WHO noted that if not given at birth, the antibody could be given at the baby's first health visit. In countries offering it only during RSV season, older infants can receive the dose just before their first season begins. Nirsevimab is not yet registered in South Africa and the cost is expected to be a barrier to its rollout in the country. South Africa has not yet adopted formal guidelines for the broad use of the maternal RSV vaccine. But the National Advisory Group on Immunisations recently recommended that the national Department of Health introduce the RSVpreF vaccine into the public immunisation programme as a single-dose vaccination for all pregnant women. This recommendation was outlined in a letter to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on 23 April 2025. 'In line with the National Advisory Group on Immunisations' terms of reference which govern the committee's work, the department is currently assessing the cost and other implications of RSV vaccine introduction with relevant senior managers and other stakeholders,' the health department's spokesperson, Foster Mohale, told Spotlight. 'Feeback will be provided to the group's chairperson once a decision regarding possible introduction has been reached,' he added. Price remains a barrier Pfizer is selling Abrysvo in South Africa as a single-dose vaccine, priced at R3,746 ($US 210), excluding VAT and dispensing fees. This price for the private sector is significantly higher than the government's threshold for broad roll-out, according to a cost-effectiveness analysis of RSV immunisation. The analysis found that at a price of US$5 (about R90) per dose, the vaccine would offer savings to South Africa's health sector. But if the price exceeds US$40 (about R700) per dose then widespread procurement may no longer be feasible. Pfizer's pricing of Abrysvo in South Africa's private sector is 'disappointingly high', Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand, told Spotlight. He added that he thought 'something has gone awry in terms of pricing of the vaccine in South Africa'. He pointed out that the Pan American Health Organization, which works to improve the health and quality of life, secured a price of US$49 (about R800) per dose for procurement of the vaccine for use in Latin American countries. 'It does tell us that certainly the cost of producing a vaccine is nowhere close to $200 if the same vaccine is being provided at $49 to the Pan American Health Organization,' said Madhi. Pfizer did not answer questions from Spotlight about whether a lower price would be offered to the public sector, but a company spokesperson said: 'We are committed to working with the government and healthcare stakeholders to ensure our medicines and vaccines are available to all those who need them in South Africa.' 'There has been engagement with Pfizer, and they have indicated that the [public sector] price of the maternal RSV vaccine is likely to align with current Pan American Health Organization pricing,' said Mohale. Apart from pricing, he said that introducing the maternal RSV vaccine involved several other health system considerations. 'A comprehensive implementation guideline will be needed to address areas such as monitoring and evaluation, supply chain capacity, healthcare worker training, and demand creation to ensure effective and sustainable rollout,' said Mohale. Fortunately, South Africa, unlike some other countries, already had established vaccine programmes for pregnant women, said Madhi. 'We've been vaccinating pregnant women with the tetanus vaccine for decades now, and as of last year we actually introduced the acellular pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria combination vaccine for pregnant women,' he said. DM
STV News
19-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Premature babies to be given new RSV vaccine
Premature babies can be given a new vaccine against a potentially life-threatening infection from later this year, the Scottish Government has confirmed. Public health minister Jenni Minto said the jab will be available for babies born before 32 weeks to protect them against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) over the winter period. Higher risk babies can receive the nirsevimab vaccine from September – with the single jab replacing five monthly injections previously given to infants classed as being at high risk. The move comes after advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Minto said RSV 'can be life-threatening to babies born very early'. She added: 'That is why I am pleased the single jab will be offered by all NHS boards across Scotland from this September, helping to protect these high-risk infants over winter. 'We will continue to work hard to protect Scotland's most vulnerable groups against the respiratory illnesses which circulate throughout the colder months. 'Our various prevention programmes help reduce avoidable admissions to hospital and therefore the pressure on our NHS.' RSV can lead to life-threatening pneumonia and the lung infection bronchiolitis in babies. The new vaccine comes after Scotland was the first nation in the UK to introduce another RSV jab, Abrysvo, for pregnant women and older adults last August. More than 70% of eligible older adults were given Abrysvo, with a study by Public Health Scotland, which was published in the Lancet, showing a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations amongst this group. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said: 'The last year has seen significant progress in efforts to protect those most vulnerable to RSV, including the introduction of the maternal RSV vaccine which is offered at 28 weeks of pregnancy and helps protect newborn babies from serious illness. 'Babies born prematurely are at highest risk of serious complications from RSV and we welcome this programme expansion, which will help to ensure that even more babies are protected during their most vulnerable early months.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
