Are You Ready For Some Sniffles? Don't Get Tackled by Respiratory Illness Season
Oct 18, 2023
46:09
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This week's podcast discusses respiratory illness season, COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccine myths, and newly approved preventatives for RSV in infants and older adults. They provide statistics, updates on mRNA vaccines, and insights on the need for new vaccines due to mutations. The podcast also covers flu season insights, preventative measures for infants and older adults, and the economic impact of respiratory illnesses.
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Quick takeaways
COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to include mRNA vaccines and Novavax, providing increased protection against the virus.
Newly approved preventatives for RSV, such as RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments, offer effective prevention against severe lower respiratory tract disease for high-risk populations.
Deep dives
Respiratory illness statistics
Respiratory illnesses, including acute respiratory infections and lower respiratory illnesses, cause millions of deaths worldwide each year. These illnesses have been declining due to better interventions and therapies. In 2019, lower respiratory illnesses were responsible for nearly 500 million cases and 2.4 million deaths. This represents a decrease of 24% and 49% respectively since 1990.
COVID, Flu, and RSV: Different Viruses
COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are distinct viral groups causing respiratory illness. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus, while influenza is caused by influenza viruses. RSV belongs to the paramyxovirus family. Each virus group has its own characteristics, mechanisms of infection, and prevention measures.
Vaccine Updates: COVID, Flu, and RSV
Recent updates in the COVID vaccine world include FDA approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Additionally, Novavax has received emergency use authorization for individuals aged 12 and older. Influenza vaccines are recommended annually, targeting different strains circulating each year. Recently approved RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments offer prevention against severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV for high-risk populations, including older adults, pregnant individuals, and infants.
Protection Against RSV with Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies
RSV vaccines for individuals aged 60 and older, such as A-Rec-V and A-Bris-Vo, have shown high efficacy in preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV, reducing illness severity and hospitalizations. For infants, the monoclonal antibody A-Bay-For-Tis can be administered to prevent severe lower respiratory tract disease due to RSV. These preventive measures highlight the importance of protecting vulnerable populations against RSV.
On this week's episode of the pod, we are doing a respiratory illness season roundup because it is upon us! We kick things off with a discussion on COVID-19 and the newly updated vaccines (including mRNA vaccines and Novavax). We present some of the latest statistics on disease burden and the increase in cases. Next, we move on to flu and discuss how vaccines are updated annually and address some myths and misconceptions about flu vaccines. Finally, we move on to RSV and discuss the newly approved preventatives for infants and people over 60+ years. We walk through the different options and eligibility. We hope you'll tune in and learn a thing or two!
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