Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe infections in newborns and infants. Good news for parents: a new immunizing product, which offers effective protection against RSV, is now offered free of charge.
Posted at 7:30 a.m.
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What is RSV?
RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the lower respiratory tract. It follows a seasonal pattern and is most active during the colder months of the year, from late fall to early spring. Most of the time, the virus is transmitted from person to person through contaminated droplets and causes a mild illness with symptoms similar to those of a cold. We are mainly talking here about congestion, runny nose, cough and sore throat.
Although it causes milder illness in adults and children over 24 months, the virus can be very dangerous in infants. Currently, it is estimated that 90%1 children under 2 years old will be infected with RSV. This is also the main cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) and pneumonia in toddlers.
A young and vulnerable clientele
Although babies who are premature or have underlying conditions are vulnerable to RSV, all infants entering their first season can be infected. In fact, 80%2 Hospitalizations due to RSV in Canada occur in healthy infants who are born at term.
“Among the small patients most at risk of developing more severe symptoms, we will also find those who present specific conditions such as chronic lung problems, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, immunosuppression, malformations of the airways respiratory or severe neuromuscular disorders,” specifies Tracey Pickford, clinical nurse specializing in the prevention of RSV infections.
Avoidable consequences
The consequences of RSV in newborns and infants can be serious. Tracey Pickford reminds that, when a child begins to have worsening respiratory symptoms, a medical consultation is necessary. “The draw [un creusement de la peau entre ou sous les côtes]difficult breathing, a notable reduction in nutrition and/or hydration as well as the appearance of cyanosis [coloration bleutée] on the lips are warning signs that should encourage parents to consult immediately,” she explains.
To avoid complications that could lead to hospitalization or a stay in pediatric intensive care, Tracey Pickford emphasizes the importance of properly protecting infants and young children. “The arrival of BeyfortusMD (nirsevimab), an immunizing agent composed of a monoclonal antibody, will protect babies from RSV during their first season of exposure,” she indicates.
She adds that BeyfortusMD can also be given to children under 2 years of age who are at risk of developing severe disease during their second season of RSV.
It is a privilege, for children and people at risk, to receive BeyfortusMD. Immunization remains the best means of protection to avoid serious illnesses and their long-term consequences.
Tracey Pickford
The effectiveness of an immunizing agent
The monoclonal antibody contained in BeyfortusMD prevents the virus from entering and infecting human cells. It provides direct and rapid protection against RSV that lasts at least five months, which corresponds to a typical season of the disease. “Thanks to the arrival of BeyfortusMDwe can now help protect more babies from RSV, making prevention accessible to everyone, not just children at high risk,” says Tracey Pickford.
She adds that in Quebec, since November 4, all newborns who leave the hospital receive an injection of Beyfortus.MD. For others, it is possible to receive it free of charge in a local community service center (CLSC) or in a vaccination center. For more information about BeyfortusMDtalk to your healthcare professional.
1 Simoes, EAF Lancet1999; 354: 847-852.
2 Pisesky et coll. PLOS One 11.3 (2016): e0150416.
