Spotlight on RSV – A Hidden Epidemic in Older Adults

About this Program

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory tract infection and can progress toward acute bronchitis and pneumonia. Already recognized as a leading cause of respiratory mortality among young children globally, its significance is well-studied in pediatric settings.

In the healthy elderly population, an estimated 3-7 % develop RSV infection annually. RSV-associated acute respiratory infection (ARI) in older adults causes 336,000 hospitalizations yearly, leading to about 14,000 in-hospital deaths.

Transmission in hospitals and long-term care settings is of particular concern, underscoring the need to implement precautions and effective preventive strategies.

Differentiation between RSV and other respiratory tract infections is vital to optimal management. The importance of continuing education on clinical management, evolving diagnostic algorithms, prevention, and treatment options cannot be overstated.

Last month, the first-ever vaccine for RSV was authorized in the United States and recommended for market authorization in the European Union. It is indicated for use in individuals 60 years of age and older.

There is a crucial unmet need for knowledge exchange and discussion on the burden of RSV-associated ARI morbidity and mortality in older adults.

The 1-hour symposium on RSV infection in the older adult population took place at the European Society for Clinical Virology Conference (ESCV 2023), in Milan, Italy, on 31 August 2023.

This symposium aims to increase knowledge, improve patient care, and ultimately increase the capacity of the healthcare systems to prevent and manage RSV infections in the elderly population.

Program Director

Daniel Kuritzkes, MD

Brigham and Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School, United States

Program Chair

General Information

Who Should Attend?

- Clinical virologists, Infectious disease clinicians
- Immunologists, epidemiologists
- Primary care physicians, including family physicians
- Pulmonologists
- Geriatric and palliative care experts
- Vaccine providers and their immunization practice teams
- Public health officials
- Researchers
- Community representatives

Learning Objectives

After participating in this program, the participants will be able to:
- Understand the epidemiology, pathology, and risk factors of RSV infection in the older adults
- Identify accessible diagnostic and therapeutic options and relevant challenges for RSV
- Increase knowledge about the outpatient and inpatient clinical management and complications resulting from RSV infection in older adults
- Describe the latest advancement in the development of RSV prevention products and comprehend the efficacy data and safety patterns
- Increase knowledge of the RSV vaccine platforms, basic principles, and safety profile
- Plan strategies to better prepare the healthcare system for the rollout and implementation of innovative preventive strategies

Practical Information

Badges

All participants are requested to wear the badge at all times during the conference to ensure admission to the meeting.

Language

The official language of the symposium is English

Disclaimer

This conference is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. The Organizing Secretariat of this event, Virology Education, cannot accept any liability for the scientific content of the sessions or for any claims which may result from the use of information or publications from this meeting. Virology Education disclaims all liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by individuals attending the conference.

Liability and Insurance

By registering for the conference participants agree that the organizers do not accept responsibility for medical-, travel- or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own insurance policies.

Photographs, Audio, and Video Recording

Photographs, audio, and video recordings are not permitted at the official meeting sessions. Only the official medical writer appointed by the organization may make recordings. All presentations will be posted here as soon as possible after the workshop is finished, provided the speaker has given permission to do so.