These insights were discussed by medical experts at a scientific workshop organized by the Vietnam Respiratory Association, in partnership with GSK Vietnam, late last year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RSV is a human-specific virus that infects cells along the respiratory tract from the nose to the lungs, causing illnesses ranging from mild upper respiratory infections to severe, potentially life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections.

RSV disease can affect individuals of all ages, and reinfection is possible throughout life. Global statistics from 2019 estimated approximately 33 million cases of acute lower respiratory tract infections linked to RSV.

Experts discuss the impact of RSV on older adults and those with underlying conditions. Photo: GSK

During the forum, Associate Professor, Doctor Phan Thu Phuong, Director of the Respiratory Center at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that older adults and adults with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of severe progression when infected with RSV. Notably, older adults with comorbidities such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure have also been observed to experience worse clinical outcomes when contracting this virus.

Associate Professor, Doctor Le Thuong Vu, Head of the Respiratory Department at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City and General Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Respiratory Association, added that RSV infection can also cause many serious and prolonged complications in at-risk groups, such as those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. Among older adults with COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, up to 80,4% of patients experienced acute exacerbations during hospitalization due to RSV infection.

In reality, experts indicate that the burden of RSV on older adults is underestimated due to several factors. Associate Professor, Doctor Duong Thi Hong, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, affirmed that a lack of information on preventive measures and insufficient awareness of the burden and severity of RSV disease prevents many from proactively protecting themselves.

Enhancing prevention, including vaccination for adults—especially those with underlying medical conditions—is crucial to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. This also helps alleviate the burden on the healthcare system and improves quality of life. Doctor Phan Huu Hen, Head of the Endocrinology Department at Cho Ray Hospital, noted that proactive prevention of infectious diseases, including vaccination for older adults, particularly those with underlying conditions, helps reduce the risk of disease and some complications caused by infections. "International and domestic health organizations currently provide guidelines for RSV vaccination for individuals aged 60 and older", he added.

For effective prevention, the role of treating physicians is paramount. Doctor Nguyen Quoc Thai, Deputy Director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Bach Mai Hospital, emphasized that proactive prevention must be considered on par with treatment. Treating physicians play a pivotal role in counseling, raising awareness, and reinforcing confidence in vaccination benefits for patients, thereby better protecting vulnerable groups, especially older adults and those with underlying conditions, from infectious diseases.

Doctor Pham Thi My Lien, President of GSK Vietnam, shared that GSK introduces several scientific solutions to protect older adults from infectious diseases. "Preventive solutions for respiratory syncytial virus disease using vaccines, developed based on scientific data and technology, mark a significant step forward in public health protection", Ms. Lien emphasized.

Doctor Pham Thi My Lien, President of GSK Vietnam, speaks at the conference. Photo: GSK

Additionally, GSK collaborates with specialized cardiology, respiratory, endocrinology, and diabetes associations through professional exchanges and updates on medical knowledge. This supports healthcare teams in caring for and preventing infectious diseases in older adults and those with underlying conditions in Vietnam.

Yen Chi

Please consult healthcare professionals for more information.