RSV: A HEALTH CHALLENGE FOR MALAYSIA'S AGING POPULATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia’s ageing population grows, this demographic shift presents new public health challenges.

In recent months, the highlights of influenza outbreaks and their impacts on notable public figures have raised public concerns about respiratory infections.

Among these, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) stands out as a significant yet often overlooked threat, especially for older adults.

In a statement today, GlaxoSmithKline Malaysia (GSK) highlighted that RSV is a common and highly contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications, including lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), pneumonia, and even death.

"It is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. Similar to influenza, RSV spreads through virus droplets that enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can also persist on hard surfaces for several hours," the statement read.

While RSV infection can include mild symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, and fever that typically resolve within one to two weeks, being infected with the virus can be severe and life-threatening for certain groups, as these individuals are at risked for potential complications like pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and low oxygen levels.

Today, RSV is increasingly recognised as a significant cause of acute respiratory illness, not only in young children but also in older adults, especially among those aged 65 and above and with underlying health issues, the statement read.

"Adults with congestive heart failure are eight times more likely to be hospitalised for an RSV infection. RSV can also make symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. Patients with asthma are ten times more at risk of hospitalisation compared to those without," it said.

According to GSK, an RSV disease could potentially affect various aspects of people’s lives, including social activities, productivity, relationships, physical and cognitive functioning as well as sleep.

"Multiple studies have also revealed that 14 per cent to 22 per cent of adults who are hospitalised because of RSV face further cardiovascular complications including worsening congestive heart failure, sudden decreased of blood flow to the heart or better known as acute coronary syndrome, and irregular heart rate, also known as arrhythmias," it said.

In severe cases, the impact of RSV-related hospitalisation could be long-lasting, the statement said.

According to GSK, a global study found that one in four adults discharged after an RSV infection require formal home care and up to 27 per cent of adults hospitalised with RSV required re-admission within three months of being discharged.

 Moreover, approximately one in 13 adults aged 60 and above continues to experience a loss of independence six months after hospitalisation.

Despite the significant impact of an RSV infection, GSK said that the awareness among older adults remains low, often due to its similarity to other viruses like the flu or COVID-19.

GSK advised the public to consult healthcare professionals for more information on prevention.

-- BERNAMA

Disclaimer:

This is an educational program brought to you by GSK. Individual patients’ symptoms of RSV may vary. This article contains statements and descriptions unique to an individual and may not be representative of every patient’s experience of RSV.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

BERNAMA assumes no responsibility for the content, accuracy and opinions carried in the article.

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