1
What patient population is MOST affected by RSV?
Children under 2, premature babies, older adults
How does RSV spread?
Through droplets (Coughing, sneezing, surviving on surfaces such as desks)
What is the number one cause of respiratory failure in children?
Bronchiolitis caused by RSV
What does RSV stand for?
Respiratory syncytial virus
Can someone have RSV multiple times?
Yes, similar to the flu there are different strains of RSV
True or False: You can only get RSV as a child.
False, all age groups could be affected
True or False: RSV symptoms can vary based greatly based on age and past medical history
True
What test can you order to detect past RSV infection?
PCR blood test (determines antibodies to the virus).
What is the best way to reduce the spread of RSV?
Frequent handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes.
Is there currently a RSV vaccine?
Yes
What form of treatment is used in severe RSV cases?
Oxygen therapy
Name two RSV symptoms.
Examples include: Fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, dry cough, decreased appetite, wheezing, apnea, rhinitis
Is RSV a DNA or RNA virus?
RNA virus
How many children in the world under the age of 5 die from RSV every year (in thousands)
One-hundred
In what season is RSV most prevalent?
Winter
For minor cases of RSV what is the treatment?
Rest, hydration, OTC medication, humidity
How is RSV diagnosed?
Nasal swab
The RSV vaccine is available for these three major groups of people. Who are they?
Pregnant people, infants, and the elderly.
What is one of the two RSV vaccines approved by the FDA that are not mRNA vaccines?
Arexvy or Abrysvo
For infants there is no approved vaccine for RSV. What is the recommended method for protecting infants and young children from severe RSV?
Giving Nirsevimab or Beyfortus which are long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAB). They deliver pre-made antibodies that block the RSV virus from entering cells.
Why are children under 1 year old are at higher risk for severe RSV?
Their immune systems are still developing and their airways are very small (can be easily blocked by mucus)
Chimpanzees
In what decade was the RSV genome sequenced?
1980s
What year was the first RSV vaccine approved for use in the United States?
2023 (but SYNAGIS developed a monoclonal antibody injection in 1998 used to prevent severe RSV disease in high-risk infants through monthly injections during RSV season)
What protein does the Moderna's mResvia vaccine mimic?
The pre-F protein