Alarming rise in this dangerous illness serves as warning for seniors
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As the seasons change and the chill of the evening air becomes more pronounced, it's not just the cold seniors need to be wary of.
A spike in cases of the respiratory illness known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has health officials issuing a stern warning for older Australians, particularly grandparents who are often in close contact with young children.
RSV is a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract, and while it's most prevalent among infants and toddlers, it doesn't discriminate based on age.
Recent data suggested that older Australians are increasingly at risk, with the number of RSV cases in individuals over 70 now matching those of influenza.
The symptoms of RSV can be deceptively similar to the common flu, including a persistent cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. However, for seniors, the stakes are much higher.
Complications from RSV can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia, particularly for those with pre-existing health issues like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Grandmother Lisa Loader learned this the hard way when she contracted RSV from her grandson Reggie.
What she thought would be a simple cold turned into a severe illness that left her voiceless for nine weeks and took a total of 14 weeks to recover from.
‘It was a cough that was just relentless, and it took your breath away and almost made me pass out,’ she said.
Ita Buttrose, a respected media figure and advocate for senior health, is championing a national campaign to raise awareness about RSV among older Australians.
Buttrose emphasised the importance of seeking medical advice if symptoms arise.
‘If you really feel unwell, you should consult your GP,’ she said.
'You're not a burden. You're just someone trying to get better again.’
Despite the alarming rise in RSV cases, with over 124,000 reported so far in 2024, vaccination remains a challenge.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved an RSV vaccine for over-60s in January, but it's not included in the national immunisation program.
This means that those who wish to be vaccinated must bear the cost, which exceeds $300—a significant barrier for many.
Professor Robert Booy from Sydney University warns that RSV can be deadly, particularly for the elderly.
'People who die from RSV are almost always older people,' he stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Currently, only 17,000 people over 70 have received the RSV vaccine, a stark contrast to the millions who are protected against influenza and COVID-19.
The hope is that, in time, the RSV vaccine will become as routine as those for flu and COVID, offering older Australians the protection they need.
‘It is expensive, so people have to choose,’ Booy said.
‘Hopefully, it will become a routine vaccination as is flu and COVID for older people.’
Have you or someone close to you been affected by RSV? How are you protecting yourself during this spike in cases? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
A spike in cases of the respiratory illness known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has health officials issuing a stern warning for older Australians, particularly grandparents who are often in close contact with young children.
RSV is a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract, and while it's most prevalent among infants and toddlers, it doesn't discriminate based on age.
Recent data suggested that older Australians are increasingly at risk, with the number of RSV cases in individuals over 70 now matching those of influenza.
Older Australians are at risk of contracting RSV. credit: Shutterstock
The symptoms of RSV can be deceptively similar to the common flu, including a persistent cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. However, for seniors, the stakes are much higher.
Complications from RSV can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia, particularly for those with pre-existing health issues like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Grandmother Lisa Loader learned this the hard way when she contracted RSV from her grandson Reggie.
What she thought would be a simple cold turned into a severe illness that left her voiceless for nine weeks and took a total of 14 weeks to recover from.
‘It was a cough that was just relentless, and it took your breath away and almost made me pass out,’ she said.
Ita Buttrose, a respected media figure and advocate for senior health, is championing a national campaign to raise awareness about RSV among older Australians.
Buttrose emphasised the importance of seeking medical advice if symptoms arise.
‘If you really feel unwell, you should consult your GP,’ she said.
'You're not a burden. You're just someone trying to get better again.’
Despite the alarming rise in RSV cases, with over 124,000 reported so far in 2024, vaccination remains a challenge.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved an RSV vaccine for over-60s in January, but it's not included in the national immunisation program.
This means that those who wish to be vaccinated must bear the cost, which exceeds $300—a significant barrier for many.
Professor Robert Booy from Sydney University warns that RSV can be deadly, particularly for the elderly.
'People who die from RSV are almost always older people,' he stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Currently, only 17,000 people over 70 have received the RSV vaccine, a stark contrast to the millions who are protected against influenza and COVID-19.
The hope is that, in time, the RSV vaccine will become as routine as those for flu and COVID, offering older Australians the protection they need.
‘It is expensive, so people have to choose,’ Booy said.
‘Hopefully, it will become a routine vaccination as is flu and COVID for older people.’
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