RSV Vaccine Approved for Older Adults:⁣ A Breakthrough in Respiratory Protection

Understanding RSV and Why It's a Threat to Seniors

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus ⁢that usually causes mild,cold-like symptoms. ⁢However, for older adults, RSV can led to severe illness, including pneumonia and hospitalization. Before the availability⁤ of a vaccine, RSV was estimated to cause approximately 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths annually among adults 65 years and older in the United states.

The ⁤virus spreads through close⁤ contact with infected individuals, much like ⁣the⁤ common cold or flu. Symptoms can include a runny nose, cough, fever, and⁤ shortness of breath.Older adults are particularly vulnerable as their immune systems weaken with age,⁤ making them less⁤ able to fight off the infection effectively.