Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is causing a significant increase in infections in various parts of the United States, notably in Georgia and Texas, leading to heightened pressure on hospital emergency departments. RSV is known to cause mild cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, and fever, in both adults and children. However, it can be particularly dangerous for infants and older adults, resulting in hospitalizations and even deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that RSV causes 100 to 300 deaths and 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations annually among children aged 4 and under. Furthermore, it is the leading cause of hospitalizations in infants in the United States.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, RSV infections saw a decline, coinciding with a period when many individuals, both children, and adults, adhered to preventive measures and stayed at home, reducing their exposure to respiratory viruses. However, last year witnessed a resurgence of RSV infections, causing hospitals to be inundated with wheezing children, some of whom required oxygen support or mechanical assistance for breathing. This resurgence was further compounded by surges in other respiratory viruses, which often co-infected individuals, exacerbating the severity of their illnesses.
Data on RSV infections this year reveals that diagnoses in several states, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, have reached levels comparable to those observed during the previous year. Texas has also experienced a significant increase in RSV cases, as suggested by the available data. However, there are indications that the virus may already be peaking in some of these states. While the national numbers show that RSV detections are only about half as high as they were in the same period last year, the situation remains dynamic and may change.
Health officials are now equipped with new strategies to combat RSV, including vaccines for individuals aged 60 and older, as well as pregnant women. Additionally, the CDC recommended in August that infants under 8 months old, before their first RSV season, receive a new antibody therapy. Sold under the brand name Beyfortus, this therapy was developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi and comes in prefilled syringes with two different doses suitable for smaller and larger infants. However, the demand for these therapies has surpassed supply, leading the CDC to request that doctors prioritize doses for infants at the highest risk of severe RSV disease. The cost of these shots has also posed a challenge, with some doctors hesitating to order them until insurance reimbursement was guaranteed. Despite these challenges, the CDC has recently announced the distribution of over 77,000 additional doses of the larger-sized RSV shots to healthcare providers.
Despite the current challenges, there is optimism that future RSV seasons may be better managed with these preventive measures in place, marking a significant step in reducing the impact of RSV on vulnerable populations.