A recent survey has unveiled a surprising lack of understanding about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) within the American populace. Less than half are inclined to suggest an FDA-sanctioned vaccine to expecting individuals, despite a larger inclination to recommend it for the aged. This data emerges as a vaccine for pregnant individuals is in the pipeline, with the CDC contemplating an RSV vaccine for older adults. This consideration is critical as RSV is a primary cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and can cause severe sickness in both infants and the elderly.
A study carried out by the Annenberg Public Policy Center highlights the American public’s overall lack of knowledge concerning RSV. The survey shows that many Americans are unfamiliar with the common symptoms of the virus and show greater hesitancy to endorse vaccination against RSV for pregnant individuals as compared to the elderly.
These findings emerge at a crucial time. A vaccine targeting pregnant women is under development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering approving an RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and above.
Globally, RSV is the top cause of lower respiratory tract infections in babies. Although the symptoms are typically mild, the highly contagious RSV can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death in infants and the elderly.
By the age of 2, almost all children contract RSV, contributing along with flu and Covid-19 to the “tripledemic” that overwhelmed some healthcare facilities last winter. The CDC estimates that it leads to the hospitalization of 58,000 to 80,000 children under age 5 every year.
After years of research, vaccines against RSV have been developed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two RSV vaccines for older adults in May, and a maternal RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals is expected to gain approval this summer. This will enable the transfer of antibodies from pregnant individuals to their unborn babies, providing protection against RSV from birth up to at least six months of age.
However, the survey conducted on over 1,600 adults finds that less than half of Americans were likely to suggest the vaccine against RSV to a pregnant friend or family member. In contrast, the majority would recommend the vaccine to a friend or family member aged 65 or older.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center’s ASAPH survey for June 2023 provides more detailed information on people’s awareness and attitudes towards RSV and the vaccine against it. The underestimation of RSV’s prevalence contrasts with awareness of its potential severity, even though familiarization with the illness is less common than its prevalence might suggest.
The survey indicates that there is a considerable amount of uncertainty about RSV among the American public, with most people unsure about the virus’s symptoms, persistence, reoccurrence, and how it spreads. Similarly, only small segments of the public are aware of the existence of an FDA-approved vaccine against RSV for older adults or pregnant individuals.
Less than half of those surveyed could identify some of the most common symptoms of RSV. Misidentification of non-respiratory symptoms as being associated with RSV was relatively low.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center’s ASAPH survey, conducted in June 2023, provides further detailed information on people’s knowledge and attitudes towards RSV and the vaccine against it. For more information, visit FactCheck.org, a project of APPC, which provides Q&As on the RSV maternal vaccine and RSV vaccines for older adults.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RSV Awareness
What is the main issue being discussed in the text?
The text discusses the widespread lack of public awareness about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the United States, despite the virus being a significant health risk, especially for infants and elderly populations.
What is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
RSV is a highly contagious virus that leads to infections of the respiratory tract. While it typically causes mild symptoms, it can result in severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly in infants and elderly individuals.
What is the current status of the RSV vaccine?
As of the time of the text, two RSV vaccines for older adults have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A maternal RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals is also expected to gain approval soon, allowing them to pass antibodies to their unborn babies for protection against RSV from birth up to at least six months of age.
Why is there a greater hesitation to endorse RSV vaccination for pregnant individuals than for older adults?
The text suggests this discrepancy may be due to a general lack of knowledge about RSV and its effects. The survey data indicates that the American public needs more education on the severity and prevalence of RSV, particularly regarding its impact on infants.
What are the common symptoms of RSV?
Common symptoms of RSV include wheezing, a runny nose, pauses in breathing, decreased activity, and a decreased appetite. However, fewer than half of those surveyed were able to identify these symptoms.
More about RSV Awareness
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- RSV in Infants and Young Children
- RSV in Older Adults
- Annenberg Public Policy Center
- RSV Vaccines
- FDA Vaccine Approval Process
5 comments
They keep coming up with more vaccines. Guess I’ll have to add this one to the list once it’s available for the elderly. Got to stay safe out there.
Wow, it’s quite surprising that RSV isn’t well-known yet so many kids get sick from it… awareness should be boosted!!
as a nurse, i see RSV cases all the time, it’s not to be taken lightly, especially in babies and the elderly!
Just read this and feel worried. My kids were sick often when they were lil. Could’ve been RSV maybe?
Cant believe the survey results. We need to be better educated about this virus!