New Medication To Protect Against RSV

Hot Off the Presses!

In a press release dated 8/15/2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all infants receive the new preventive antibody, nirsevimab, to protect against severe respiratory symptoms caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV. This recommendation is particularly important for infants at higher risk for developing life-threatening illnesses from RSV. According to the CDC, This includes infants who are :

• Premature Infants

• Infants up to 12 months, especially those 6 months and younger

• Children younger than 2 years with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease

• Children with weakened immune systems

• Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions

Currently, two mono-clonal antibody products protect this vulnerable group of children. Synagis (palivizumab) has been around for many years and was primarily reserved for infants in the highest-risk groups. There is now a new medication, Beyfortus (Nirsevimab), which is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months born during – or entering – their first RSV season (typically fall through spring).

Synagis is required once monthly dosing throughout the RSV season whereas one dose of nirsevimab can protect infants for 5 months which is the typical length of an average RSV season.

Both of these medications are not used to treat active RSV infection and associated illness.

Why Does this Matter?

• 2-3 infants out of 100 infected with RSV may need hospitalization

• 58,000 - 80,000 kids under the age of 5 years old in the US are hospitalized each year with RSV Infection

• Infants hospitalized with RSV often require IV fluids, supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation to improve

• 100-300 RSV-associated deaths per year in children in the United States

What Are the Symptoms of RSV?

RSV is associated with causing symptoms of the “common cold” and infection of the lower respiratory tract, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Some signs to look for include:

Cold: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Cold symptoms may include:

• Fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher)

• Cough (dry or wet sounding)

• Congestion

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Fussiness

• Poor feeding

Bronchiolitis: Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

May include cold symptoms, plus:

• Fast breathing

• Flaring of the nostrils & head bobbing with breathing

• Rhythmic grunting during breathing (see sound clip clip, below)

• Belly breathing, tugging between the ribs and/or the lower neck (see video below)

• Wheezing

How Can You Prevent RSV?

Just as in preventing other common viruses:

• Wash your hands often
  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.

• Keep your hands off your face
  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people
  Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or eating utensils with people with cold-like symptoms.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces
  Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices. When people infected with RSV touch surfaces and objects, they can leave behind germs. Also, when they cough or sneeze, droplets containing germs can land on surfaces and objects.

• Stay home when you are sick
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and public areas when sick. This will help protect others from catching your illness.

Common Questions About Beyfortus (Nirsevimab)

• Can Beyfortus be given along with the regularly scheduled childhood vaccines?

  • YES

• If given with other childhood vaccines, does Beyfortus interfere with immune response?

  • NO

• How long does Beyfortus offer protection from RSV

  • About 5 months or one RSV season

• What is the age range this can be given?

  • In healthy infants without known risk factors, it can be given from one week after birth during RSV season and up to 8 months of age during an infant’s first RSV season

• Is Beyfortus a vaccine?

  • It is not a vaccine in the traditional sense of the word. Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody product that is a passive immunization. While not technically a “vaccine” in a traditional sense (active immunization), it is being used like routine childhood vaccines and may be referred to as a vaccine by some entities.

SAFETY FIRST

If you ever feel that your child is not safe, cannot breathe, is blue around the mouth or lips, is breathing rapidly or is not arouseable, call 911 immediately.

Call your pediatric healthcare provider for any concerns that you might have.

For more fantastic information on RSV and how to care for your child who may have RSV, check out this webpage from the American Academy of Pediatrics “RSV: When It's More Than Just a Cold.”

If you have questions about this medication for RSV protection, ask your child’s medical provider or your local health department.

This medication is covered under the Vaccine for Children Program.

This blog is not intended as medical advice or should be substituted for medical advice.