July 21st 2024.
Parents who have children in day care are all too familiar with the never-ending cycle of contagious illnesses like RSV. But it's not just the little ones who are at risk - even grandparents are in serious danger. That's why Ita Buttrose is leading a national campaign to raise awareness among older Australians. The number of RSV cases is now on par with the flu, and Buttrose wants to make sure her generation is paying attention.
Lisa Loader, a proud grandmother to her grandson Reggie, knows firsthand the risks of RSV. While babysitting her little one in 2022, she caught the illness and described it as the sickest she's ever been. The cough was relentless and she struggled to breathe, almost passing out at times. It even exacerbated her asthma and turned into pneumonia. It took nine weeks for her voice to return and another 14 weeks to fully recover.
Although RSV is more common in toddlers, older Australians are also at risk. The symptoms are similar to the flu, making it easy to mistake for a common cold. Buttrose, a well-known advocate, wants her peers to understand the severity of RSV and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell. She reassures them that it's not a burden, but rather a necessary step in getting better.
So far in 2024, there have been 124,000 cases of RSV - a 1.5 times increase from the previous year. More than half of these cases were in children under four years old. However, what's concerning is that the number of RSV cases in people over 70 is now equivalent to the number of influenza cases. This is especially dangerous for those with pre-existing health conditions, as RSV can have serious consequences.
According to Professor Robert Booy from Sydney University, most deaths from RSV are in older individuals. That's why it's crucial for this age group to take preventative measures. In January, the TGA approved an RSV vaccine for people over 60. However, it's not included in the national immunisation program, meaning individuals need to pay for it. And with a price tag of over $300, it's not a realistic option for many. Currently, only 17,000 over-70s have been vaccinated, compared to the millions who have received the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Booy hopes that in the future, the RSV vaccine will become a routine for older individuals, just like the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. But for now, the high cost makes it difficult for many to prioritize. As Booy says, "It is expensive, so people have to choose." But hopefully, with more awareness and support, the RSV vaccine will become more accessible and affordable for all older Australians.
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