RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is a virus that causes infections in the lower respiratory tract, such as the bronchial tubes and lungs. Although it's often associated with young children, adults can also contract this illness. The likelihood of catching this disease increases during the late rainy season into the cold season.
Transmission of RSV
RSV spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces like toys, doorknobs, tables, and chairs.
Symptoms
Symptoms resemble a common cold, such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, and runny nose. However, if the RSV infection progresses to the lower respiratory tract, it can lead to complications like pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Severe symptoms—such as difficulty breathing, short and rapid breathing, wheezing, or a bluish discoloration of the skin—require immediate hospitalization.
Prevention and Treatment
Always wash your hands thoroughly and wear a mask in crowded areas. If someone in the household is ill, they should be isolated, and personal items should not be shared to reduce the spread of the disease.
Seniors who become ill should monitor their symptoms closely. Severe cases can be fatal. Timely treatment helps reduce the risk of serious complications.
RSV Vaccine "For Adults"
The adult RSV vaccine stimulates immunity to prevent Lower Respiratory Tract Disease (LRTD) caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It requires only one intramuscular injection and is recommended for the following groups:
- Individuals aged 60 years and older.
- Individuals aged 50 to 59 years with underlying chronic conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.
Benefits of the RSV Vaccine
- It helps stimulate the immune system to build immunity against the RSV virus, which reduces the risk of RSV infection.
- In seniors who contract RSV, it helps reduce the severity of the disease, including symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and the risk of hospitalization.
- It prevents serious complications from RSV infection, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
- It reduces the risk of death from RSV, especially in seniors and high-risk patients with underlying health conditions.
Efficacy of the RSV Vaccine
The vaccine has an efficacy of **94.6%** in preventing Lower Respiratory Tract Disease (LRTD) caused by the RSV virus in high-risk patients, including those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, chronic respiratory/lung disease, chronic heart failure, diabetes, or chronic liver or kidney disease.
Side Effects and Precautions of the RSV Vaccine
The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain. These are usually mild and resolve on their own within 2-3 days.
The RSV vaccine is **not recommended** during pregnancy or for breastfeeding women.
Important Notes
- The price includes doctor's fees and service charges.
- Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.
For More Information
- Health Check-up & Vaccine Center, 2nd Floor, Building 1, Tel: 043 002 002 ext. 2504
- Health Information Service Center, ext. 1905
