Romanian Pulmonology Society Issues Alert on Rising RSV Cases
The Romanian Society of Pneumology is urging increased vigilance adn preparedness as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity begins to rise ahead of the cold season. While currently at ”low” levels, trends indicate an upward trajectory, possibly straining the Romanian healthcare system.
RSV is a common respiratory virus. In young children, it typically presents as a cold, but can develop into more serious conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in infants under two years old and premature babies. Adults, especially the elderly, individuals with chronic lung or heart disease, and those with weakened immune systems, are also at risk of worsened symptoms, complications, and hospitalization due to RSV.
the society highlights the significant impact of RSV in Romania, noting that approximately 5,000 beds are occupied annually by infants suffering from the virus. This underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent overwhelming pediatric and pulmonology departments during the winter months.
Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals:
The Romanian Society of Pneumology advises pulmonologists,family doctors,and pediatricians to:
* Consider RSV in the differential diagnosis of respiratory infections,especially in young children and at-risk adults.
* Closely monitor patients for signs of worsening condition, including difficulty breathing (dyspnea), wheezing, and low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia).
* Collaborate with pediatric and infectious disease specialists for severe cases.
* Educate patients and their families on preventative measures: frequent hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, ensuring good indoor ventilation, and isolating when symptoms appear.
* Stay informed about available preventative options, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, and the appropriate criteria for their use in vulnerable populations.
Guidance for the Public:
The Society also provides guidance for parents, grandparents, and adults with chronic diseases:
* Pay close attention to respiratory symptoms in young children, such as cough, labored breathing, wheezing, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
* Protect children from exposure to cigarette smoke, crowded environments, and sick individuals.
* Adults with underlying lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or compromised immune systems should avoid crowds and carefully monitor for any respiratory infection symptoms.
* Maintain a healthy indoor environment through consistent ventilation, optimal humidity, and mold prevention.
* Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms develop,including significant difficulty breathing,paleness,bluish lips (cyanosis),or extreme fatigue.
New Vaccination Recommendations:
prof. dr.Florin Mihălțan emphasized the evolving preventative landscape, stating, “According to the new recommendations in the GOLD Guide 2026, vaccination against RSV becomes part of the prevention strategy for patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), along with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. This advice follows recent evidence showing that RSV vaccines reduce the risk of respiratory infections and disease exacerbations in patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities.”
Conclusion:
The Romanian Society of Pneumology stresses that a coordinated effort between healthcare professionals, authorities, and the public is crucial to mitigate the risks of RSV infection, particularly for vulnerable groups - young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Proactive measures taken now can help manage the anticipated increase in RSV circulation during the upcoming cold season.
Reference:
[1] Del Riccio M, Spreeuwenberg P, Osei-Yeboah R, Johannesen CK, Fernández LV, Teirlinck AC, Wang X, Heikkinen T, Bangert M, Caini S, Campbell H, Paget J; the RESCEU Investigators.Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the European Union: estimation of RSV-associated hospitalizations in children under 5 years. J Infect Dis. 2023;228(11):1528-1538. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad188
