Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have been skyrocketing in the Quad Cities and Iowa as a whole. As the winter months approach, sickness is all throughout the air.
Hospitals are overflowing with patients testing positive for RSV, ranging in age from four months \ to 65 and older. Hospital rooms are crowded and ventilators are in use.
Like many illnesses, RSV has been around for centuries. It was discovered in 1956 and has since been recognized as one of the most common causes of childhood illness.
This week alone, 1,375 residents in Iowa have tested positive for RSV. It has become the number one leading illness, surpassing the Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza virus, and more.
With the increased cases of the illness affecting people of all ages, researchers immediately rushed to develop a vaccine.
Pfizer has been working to create a vaccine to protect those most at risk, including young children and older people. Along with Pfizer, Glaxo has also created a vaccine to test the effectiveness. With the outcome results so far, both companies are taking their vaccine to the FDA to be approved. They have seen no bad side effects and both vaccines have shown good amounts of antibodies.
The University of Iowa has decided to take part and offer a trial to those who want to participate. Currently, the vaccine is being administered to those over the age of 60.
Dr. Pat Winokur, Executive Dean in the Carver College of Medicine at University of Iowa Health Care shared, ”Pfizer and Glaxo both have RSV vaccines and both of them are signaling that the efficacy of the vaccine is strong enough that they’re going to go to FDA and ask for approval,” Hopeful that this vaccine will lead to medical advancements, she is willing to devote the University of Iowa’s resources to take part in the trial.
Resident of Iowa City Danette Frauenholtz, age 67, was very willing to take part in this trial. ”You can’t get good results if people aren’t willing to participate so I didn’t have a lot of apprehension about side effects like that,” Frauenholtz said. So far, she has not experienced any side effects.
There is also another vaccine being tested by Pfizer. This one is being administered to pregnant women in hopes of passing antibodies to babies before they are born. Young babies are the most at risk for RSV, so the success of this vaccine could give a lot of hope for a significant decrease in cases in the future.
Doctors are hopeful for what is to come with these RSV vaccines. So far, all the results have been promising with no side effects reported.
It is important to ensure safety of those at risk during a time of rocket high sicknesses. Limit direct contact and keep your distance when possible.
