Progress Report: Reducing the Burden of RSV across the Lifespan

Overview

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages. It circulates broadly alongside other seasonal viruses, including influenza. RSV can be serious, especially for premature and very young infants (≤6 months), people with chronic heart or lung disease, people who are immunocompromised, and older adults (65+). While these groups are at increased risk for severe disease, the potential for complications is a concern for all age groups.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) supports RSV education by engaging key audiences, sharing firsthand experiences of RSV among all age groups, and providing resources to help raise awareness of the burden of disease. In January 2022, NFID issued a Call to Action outlining key strategic priorities to reduce the burden of RSV across the lifespan. The Call to Action was based on discussions from an NFID-led virtual roundtable held with a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders and subject matter experts to review US public health priorities for the prevention and treatment of RSV.

Since the initial publication of the Call to Action, there have been advancements in the development of potential interventions and additional disease surveillance, as well as concerning trends in RSV activity in the US in 2022-2023.

The goals of this RSV progress report are to:

• • Reaffirm strategies to address unmet needs and issues
  • Provide an update on progress and new developments in the US
  • Highlight future considerations