Latest news with #RespiratorySyncytialVirus
Perth Now
a day ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Hazel's story: A Perth family's harrowing fight against RSV
For Perth mum Katherine, life with a newborn was meant to be filled with cuddles and cute milestones. But when her 10-week-old daughter Hazel caught what seemed to be a mild cold, the family was suddenly plunged into a terrifying fight for survival. 'Hazel first became unwell at 10 weeks old, after her older brother, Elijah, caught what we assumed was just another daycare bug,' Katherine said. 'At first, we were not overly concerned since there was no fever, and she was drinking well. We were reassured by a telehealth doctor that she seemed fine.' But overnight, Hazel's condition deteriorated. After sleeping through a feed, something she had never done before, she became unresponsive and floppy by morning. What began as a minor cough quickly spiralled into a life-threatening emergency. 10-week-old Hazel in hospital. Credit: Supplied. 'From the moment the triage nurse called a code blue it all felt surreal,' Katherine said. 'We had no idea how she had deteriorated so quickly… we honestly thought she would not make it.' Doctors placed Hazel in an induced coma as she was hooked up to life support. The following days were filled with medical procedures: CPR, EEGs, MRIs, blood tests, and multiple failed attempts to remove her from the ventilator. 'She took eight days to get off the ventilator… and then there was drug withdrawal from morphine, and she had to learn to feed all over again.' It was Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, a virus many assume is just a mild cold. But for babies and vulnerable children, it can be deadly. Hazel in hospital, hooked up to life-saving equipment. Credit: Supplied. 'I wish people could understand how serious RSV can be,' Katherine said. 'Being such a common illness in children, people just disregard it as another cold, when in fact it can be life-threatening.' Hazel's long road to recovery changed the way Katherine approaches parenting and health. 'It has made us more conscious of how illness spreads, and how we also have a duty to try and protect the more vulnerable,' she said. Her experience has made her a passionate advocate for immunisation, particularly with Western Australia's infant and maternal RSV immunisation programs now available and set to expand into 2024. 'I had worked in early childhood education for over 12 years at the time and had never heard of [RSV],' Katherine said. 'I thought it was important to share our story with other parents to show them how serious RSV should be taken.' To parents who are unsure about the vaccine, she urges them to consider the real risk: 'No parent should have to watch their child struggle to breathe or fight for their life. If there is a way to lessen the impact, it's worth consideration.' Her message to WA parents is clear: 'RSV is so easily spread and can escalate so quickly. Awareness and early intervention are key in reducing the impact it can have.' And above all, Katherine urges parents to 'trust your instincts and always advocate for your child's health.' Healthy WA is your trusted source for up-to-date health advice and services, helping Western Australians stay informed and protected. Check your family's vaccinations today to ensure you're safeguarded against preventable illnesses. Visit the website for more information.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
What is RSV and why are infants especially at risk in India?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is the leading cause of respiratory illness in children and infants worldwide. In India, RSV has also become a major issue for parents as well as pediatricians, particularly in the post-monsoon and winter seasons when cases surge. Although the nation continues to establish complete surveillance information, existing studies in tertiary care facilities show that RSV contributes 30% to 50% of bronchiolitis and pneumonia incidents in children aged two years and below. RSV is usually responsible for the symptoms of a cold in older children and adults. Nevertheless, in infants—especially those under six months of age, those who were premature at birth, or those with underlying health issues—the virus may cause severe lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways) and pneumonia. These two diseases usually require hospitalization, and hospitalization rates between 3 and 5 per 100 infants less than one year of age per year have been estimated in India. The risks are not equal throughout the nation. Geographic and socioeconomic variations account for both the risk of and outcome of RSV infection. Children living in lower-income populations or in densely populated urban environments can have increased exposure from lesser access to healthcare, suboptimal ventilation, and slower diagnosis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Seeing the international burden of RSV, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently supported maternal RSV vaccination as a prevention approach. This entails immunizing pregnant women so that antibodies are passed on to the unborn child, providing immunity in the vulnerable early months of life. Although not yet included in India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), Indian health authorities, such as the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, are in the process of evaluating the vaccine's safety, effectiveness, and affordability in India. Phased introduction in high-risk groups could be the initial step. Apart from vaccines, monoclonal antibodies too have been promising in the prevention of RSV-related complications. These provide passive immunity in a single dose of injection. But the big constraint is cost. Without government incentives or being covered under public health schemes, these therapies could prove to be out of reach for the majority of Indian families. Differential pricing models and collaborations with insurance companies will become paramount in order to expand access. More encouragingly, Indian drug makers are not idle either. Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India have initiated RSV research programs and are likely to bank on their experience in the production of pediatric and maternal vaccines. Tie-ups with global firms can also open the way for local production of monoclonal antibodies, leading to costs savings as well as wider availability. Experts put wide availability of RSV vaccines and antibodies in India at least 2 to 4 years down the road. Early access could start in corporate or private hospitals dealing with high-risk pregnancies. In the private sector, however, the incorporation of RSV prevention in the national immunization program will be crucial to making RSV vaccines and antibodies accessible and beneficial for all Indian infants—irrespective of birthplace. Article courtesy: Dr. Shreya Dubey - Consultant - Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram Russia's Lavrov Sounds Alarm Over German Army Buildup Plan; 'Very Worrying, Need To…' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Health Talk: WHO flags RSV deaths in children, calls for new immunisation tools
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently issued recommendations, including the effective use of immunisation products, to protect infants against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which causes acute lower respiratory infections in children and can become life-threatening. RSV, one of the leading causes of under-five mortality globally (which refers to the death of children before their fifth birthday, typically expressed as a rate per 1,000 live births), is responsible for around 1 lakh deaths and over 3.6 million hospitalisations in children under the age of five every year, according to the United Nation health body. About half of these deaths occur in infants younger than six months of age. The vast majority (97%) of RSV deaths in infants occur in low- and middle-income countries, where there is limited access to supportive medical care such as oxygen or hydration. India also has a high disease burden, particularly around the rainy season. A 'position paper' published by WHO outlines recommendations for two immunisation products — a maternal vaccine that can be given to pregnant women in their third trimester to protect their infant, and a long-acting monoclonal antibody that can be administered to infants from birth, just before or during the RSV season. 'RSV is an incredibly infectious virus that infects people of all ages, but is especially harmful to infants, particularly those born premature, when they are most vulnerable to severe disease,' director of immunization, vaccines, and biologicals at WHO Kate O'Brien said in a statement. 'The WHO-recommended RSV immunisation products can transform the fight against severe RSV disease, dramatically reduce hospitalizations, and deaths, ultimately saving many infant lives globally,' he added. A 2021 study — Disease Burden Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Indian Pediatric Population: A Literature Review — said, 'In India, epidemiology of RSV infection is well documented in young children (0-5 years) as compared to children from other age groups. The rates of RSV detection in various studies conducted in younger children (0-5 years) vary from 2.1% to 62.4% in India which is higher as compared to children from other age groups.' RSV usually causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold, including runny nose, cough, and fever. However, it can lead to serious complications — including pneumonia and bronchiolitis — in infants, young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. Better management and putting in place preventive measures is largely the key to stopping any disease from turning big. The WHO recommendations will hopefully serve the purpose, and the world will see fewer deaths in children due to RSV.
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Surge in Covid-19 cases recorded
Virus making a comeback in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and US PETALING JAYA: As society becomes more relaxed about the perceived threat of Covid-19, the coronavirus has started to resurge in many countries, leading to an increase in reported cases. Between May 25 and 30, Thailand reported 65,880 new Covid-19 cases with three fatalities. Indonesia's Health Ministry issued a public health advisory following a resurgence of cases in several Asian countries. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures. Both Hong Kong and the United States have reported an uptick in Covid-19 cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant. Singapore reported over 14,000 cases between Apr 27 and May 3. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry said an average of 600 cases were reported each week between Apr 14 and May 10. Malaysia reported over 11,000 cases between Jan 1 and May 10. These are the last available numbers released by the ministry. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's professor of Public Health Medicine, said people have become lax as Covid-19 is no longer seen as a major threat now. People should be aware of the mutation of the virus and the new variants that would appear, she added. 'The most recent designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is NB.1.8.1, and it is considered highly transmissible but does not indicate higher virulence, or risk of hospitalisation or deaths. It has been stated that the current vaccine's coverage also covers the current strain and those at high risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with high comorbidity need to be vigilant,' she added. She said high-risk groups should wear a mask when they are outdoors or if they develop symptoms. Those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should not miss their medication schedule. 'If you have Covid-19-like symptoms, it could also be adenovirus (usually mild), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and/or influenza,' she said. This can be determined by testing for Covid-19, or by visiting your healthcare provider for treatment and admission if necessary. 'The symptoms may mimic each other, or you can catch two diseases at the same time which is rare, but can occur,' she added. She said this new variant seems to cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal distress. 'Besides antigen testing, you may need to get a chest X-ray and blood test for confirmation to rule out pneumonia. Covid generally presents as non threatening symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and no need to follow up with MySejahtera app (like before),' she said. Former Health Ministry official and public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the rise in cases could be due to decreasing immunity either from natural infection or immunisation and people no longer observing precautionary measures like before. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on May 28 that since February, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been on the rise, with the test positivity rate reaching 11% - levels that have not been observed since July 2024. 'This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a VUM, is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May.' Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity are broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year. However, there still lacks a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance is limited, it said. WHO also advised all member states to continue monitoring and applying a risk-based and integrated approach to managing Covid-19.
Sinar Daily
20-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
How a respiratory virus could trigger heart failure: What you should know about HMPV
OFTEN mistaken for the common cold, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is gaining attention from cardiologists for its hidden danger — especially to those with pre-existing heart conditions. Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre Consultant Cardiologist and Physician Dr. G.S. Sridhar explains how this respiratory virus can quietly strain the cardiovascular system and even trigger life-threatening complications in vulnerable individuals. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus known to cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. While it usually results in mild cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, the virus poses a more serious risk to high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic health issues — particularly those with cardiovascular disease. 'Respiratory infections can reduce oxygen levels, increase inflammation, and strain the cardiovascular system, potentially worsening heart disease or triggering serious complications like heart failure or arrhythmias,' Dr Sridhar said. According to the Health Ministry, Malaysia saw 327 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in 2024, a 45 per cent rise from the 225 cases in 2023. HMPV is a relatively recent discovery in human respiratory viruses and, like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), can cause conditions ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe bronchiolitis. Consultant Cardiologist and Physician Dr. G.S. Sridhar explains how this respiratory virus can quietly strain the cardiovascular system and even trigger life-threatening complications in vulnerable individuals. How The Immune System's Response Can Strain The Heart =When someone contracts a virus like HMPV, the body responds by activating its immune defenses. This response involves the release of cytokines, proteins that initiate inflammation to help eliminate the virus. But in some cases, particularly for people with pre-existing heart conditions, the inflammation becomes excessive and places stress on the heart. 'This inflammation causes the heart to work harder, which can be risky for older adults or people with existing heart conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or blocked arteries,' Dr Sridhar said. This strain intensifies during fever or tachycardia, a condition that causes irregular rapid heartbeat, where the heart's demand for oxygen increases. At the same time, the body undergoes vasoconstriction, otherwise described as the tightening of blood vessels, and fluid shifts, making it more difficult for the heart to function efficiently. These conditions can overwhelm an already compromised cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of acute decompensation, heart failure, or other severe events. 'The same inflammation can also disturb plaque buildup in the arteries — a dangerous event that could lead to a heart attack,' he added. Common Heart Complications From HMPV and How Quickly They Can Escalate Although many patients recover from respiratory infections without lasting issues, Dr Sridhar cautioned that some individuals may develop serious cardiac complications — and symptoms can worsen and progress very quickly, often within just days of infection. According to him, the most common heart-related complications following a respiratory virus like HMPV include: "Heart failure, where the heart can't pump blood as well as it should. Arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats that can be dangerous if not treated. Finally, Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by the virus itself or the immune response to it." Dr. Sridhar stated. Alternatively, another serious risk is acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes conditions like heart attacks. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack in the week following a respiratory viral infection like influenza. Though HMPV is newer to medical research, similar risks are under close investigation. This sentiment is echoed by cardiologist Dr V. Corrales-Medina, who noted in a medical journal published in 2013: 'An infection can act as a trigger that sets off a chain reaction in the body, leading to heart problems that otherwise might not have surfaced.' HMPV is a relatively recent discovery in human respiratory viruses and, like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), can cause conditions ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe bronchiolitis. Photo: Canva Importance of Early Detection and Awareness Given how fast heart-related complications can appear, Dr Sridhar advised people — especially older adults and those with chronic heart disease — to take any signs of chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue during or after a respiratory infection seriously. "What makes this more concerning is how quickly symptoms can appear and worsen. 'Delaying care increases the risk of permanent heart damage or even sudden death,' he warned. Even as HMPV continues to fly under the radar compared to viruses like Covid-19 or influenza, its potential cardiovascular effects make it a threat that should not be ignored — particularly by those already living with heart disease. As more respiratory viruses emerge or re-emerge, the line between lung and heart health becomes increasingly blurred. The case of HMPV underlines the importance of proactive healthcare, especially for those in vulnerable groups. In light of the concerning rise of HMPV, it is advised by many health experts such as Dr Sridhar, to go for regular health screenings, vaccination where applicable, and immediate medical attention when symptoms arise as critical strategies for protecting heart health during respiratory illness seasons.
