RSV: Jab for winter virus could cut baby hospitalisations by 80%, study says
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The committee responsible for giving advice on immunisation to the government is currently thinking about whether or not they should suggest the use of the medicine known as nirsevimab, which is a type of monoclonal antibody treatment.
According to a study, it's possible to decrease hospital admissions due to winter viruses by over 80% by administering a lone dosage of a novel antibody treatment to infants.
RSV typically results in mild symptoms resembling a cold, however, it may progress to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
The experiment included kids residing in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Over 30,000 children under the age of five are admitted to hospitals in the United Kingdom each year due to RSV. This sickness leads to 20 to 30 fatalities.
A mother from the UK expressed how frightened she was as a new mother when she found out that her son contracted RSV.
Lorna and Russell Smith's eldest offspring, Caolan, contracted the virus at the tender age of eight months. He had to be hospitalized twice due to the severity of his condition, and each time he required oxygen to assist with his breathing.
He is now two years old and has fully recuperated.
Lorna admitted that she had no prior knowledge about RSV and was uncertain of how to handle the situation. Her child had difficulty breathing as a result of a high fever and was feeling very weak. This caused Lorna to feel uneasy and stressed.
The Southampton-based family is eagerly awaiting the NHS's approval of the RSV antibody injection, as they wish to administer it to their newborn baby, Rian, who is only a month old.
The source of the image used in this blog are Lorna and Russell Smith.
Twice, Caolan Smith was admitted to Southamption General Hospital due to having contracted RSV and bronchiolitis.
The Harmonie research focused on 8,000 little ones who were under 1 year old. Half of them received one dose of nirsevimab, which is a treatment made from monoclonal antibodies.
According to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was discovered that the injection decreased RSV-linked hospitalization rates by 83% and decreased admissions for all chest infections by 58%.
Both sets of participants experienced comparable side effects, which were mostly insignificant.
Three-month-old twin girls, Jessica and Ellie, who belong to Kate and Matt Parker, participated in a test conducted in Southampton.
During an interview with the BBC, Kate expressed her wish that one of them would get vaccinated in order to increase their chances of staying healthy throughout the winter season. Even though Jess received the immunization, both of them were in good health.
According to her, the results of the trial were amazing. She mentioned that if the trial could keep numerous kids away from hospitals and alleviate the burden on the NHS during the cold season, that would be wonderful.
Jessica and Ellie Parker participated in the trial called Harmonie.
Sanofi's Nirsevimab was approved for use in the United Kingdom in 2020.
The JCVI, a group that gives advice to the government, has recommended that it would be a good idea to create a vaccination program for RSV that wouldn't cost too much money. This program would be for babies as well as older people.
The blog post suggests that there are two alternatives to consider: the antibody injection or an RSV immunization administered to expecting mothers. According to the committee, either of these options could have a significant effect on the number of young children who require hospitalization.
The crucial element at present will be the amount agreed upon by the government for the NHS.
Nirsevimab offers instantaneous protection unlike a vaccine, which stimulates the body to produce antibodies and requires a few weeks to take effect.
The University of Southampton's Co-leader of the study, Prof Saul Faust, who also works as a paediatrician, has mentioned that the recent findings indicate the safety of this long-lasting antibody, which could potentially save numerous infants from hospitalization in situations that resemble regular clinical practices. This information is of utmost significance for the UK, as it could assist in determining future choices regarding the national RSV immunization program.
The nirsevimab drug has been given the green light by the US Food and Drug Administration in the month of July. It's currently available in some regions of Spain as well.
RSV spreads by coming into contact with droplets that are released from an infected person's nose and throat when they cough or sneeze.
You can also catch it from dried mucus on clothes and other things you use in bed.
Identifying RSV: Tips & Tricks
. RSV usually begins with congestion in the nose, which can then develop into a cough without mucus, a high body temperature, or even difficulty breathing.
Most kids will experience a mild illness, which can be remedied at home by giving them paracetamol or ibuprofen meant for babies.
If your child is not eating as they normally do, has rapid breathing or a fever that won't decrease, it's important to contact your primary care physician or seek medical guidance.
In case your child is struggling to breathe, with visible muscles under their ribs contracting with each breath or exhibiting paleness and sweating, immediately dial 999.
