Cardiac complications due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Published: 8th October 2024
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Overview
- Common types of respiratory viral infections (VRIs) include influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, respiratory adenoviruses, and coronavirus. These viruses have a significant public health impact, particularly among children and the elderly.1
- Respiratory infections, including RSV, can predispose individuals to cardiac issues such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and heart failure.2
- RSV outbreaks in Australia generally occur in autumn and winter with peaks often preceding the influenza season.3
- RSV can cause severe respiratory diseases, particularly in infants, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. The burden of RSV disease in older adults is increasingly recognised, particularly with rising hospitalisation rates for adults ages ≥65 years.2,3
- In Australia, the RSV vaccine is recommended for individuals aged ≥75 years, First Nations adults aged ≥60 years, and people with medical risk factors. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe respiratory illness in older adults, demonstrating 80–95% efficacy in preventing severe lower respiratory tract disease.1,3
Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) pose significant public health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults2 and are responsible for 120 million disability-adjusted life years worldwide.4-6 Historically, preceding respiratory infections have been linked to increased rates of myocardial injury. Studies from the 1970s and 1980s indicated a rise in ischemic heart disease mortality during influenza seasons, highlighting a concerning correlation ...
