‘Game-changing’ RSV jab to protect babies ‘could cut deadly winter virus hospitalisations by 83%’
A JAB protecting babies from a sometimes-deadly winter virus could slash hospitalisations from it by more than 80 per cent, a trial has shown.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an incredibly common virus that most children will pick up before the age of two, often causing mild, cold-like illnesses.
It typically circulates most between October and March, which is why it’s referred to as a winter virus.
But some babies might develop more serious lung problems, like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
And according to researchers at the University of Southampton – one of the three UK universities spearheading the study – RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation, causing between 20 and 30 deaths per year in the UK.
The virus is responsible for hospitalising around 33,000 children under five years old every year, a press release for the study added.
Scientists University Hospital Southampton, University of Southampton and St George’s University Hospital have said an antibody treatment called nirsevimab could slash reduce RSV-related hospitalisations by 83 per cent.
The treatment was approved in the UK last year, but experts said at the time that more research was needed before it could be used on the NHS.
The jab is being rolled out in the US and Spain this winter and the treatment is being considered in the UK for a national RSV immunisation programme.
The study – published in the New England Journal of Medicine – suggests that a single shot of nirsevimab offers immediate protection against RSV.
Some 8,058 babies in the UK, France and Germany aged up to 12 months and approaching their first RSV season were involved in the trial.
They were randomly assigned into two groups, one of which got single dose of nirsevimab while the other received standard care.
Just 11 of the babies who got the jab ended up in hospital for RSV-related infections, compared to 60 in the other group.
Aside from slashing hospitalisations for RSV-related respiratory tract infections, researchers observed that nirsevimab also decreased hospitalisations for all chest infections by 58 per cent.
Co-leader of the study, Professor Saul Faust from the University of Southampton said: “These latest results show that this long-acting antibody is safe and could protect thousands of babies from hospitalisation when used in conditions similar to routine clinical practice.
“It is really important information for the UK to help decide on options for the future national RSV immunisation programme.”
Dr Simon Drysdale, a consultant paediatrician at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who also lead the research, added: “RSV is a very contagious infection and every year our wards are full of babies with breathing and feeding problems.
“The thousands of winter hospital admissions are highly distressing for families and cause a huge winter burden on the NHS.
“This ground-breaking study shows the potential NHS impact and safety of a monoclonal antibody injection.”
When to seek help for RSV
RSV symptoms tend to be very mild and can be managed at home.
But sometimes complications can arise.
Naomi Watt, a respiratory nurse specialist at charity Asthma + Lung UK, said: “RSV can develop into bronchiolitis, an infection of the smaller airways in the lungs, which can be dangerous for babies, young children, and the elderly.”
In very young infants, symptoms include:
- Refusal to breastfeed or bottle-feed
- Breathing more quickly and noisily (wheezing)
- Seeming very tired, upset or inactive
- Signs of dehydration – lack of tears when crying, little or no urine in their nappy for six hours, and cool, dry skin
In older kids, signs are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough, and sore throat.
Naomi says: “If they are showing any of these signs, seek urgent medical help.
“And call 999 for urgent help if your child is struggling to breathe, there are pauses when your child breathes, your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue, or your child is very floppy.”