Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant health concern, with over 11,000 adult deaths annually attributed to it. The hospitalization rates for RSV and influenza among adults are similarly alarming. In response, vaccines for RSV targeting older adults are currently in development.
A recent study evaluated primary care physicians (PCPs) who treat adults to understand their views on RSV. The study focused on three key areas:
- Perception of RSV Disease Burden: How seriously do PCPs view the threat posed by RSV?
- Current RSV Testing Practices: What are the existing protocols for diagnosing RSV in adults?
- Anticipated Barriers to RSV Vaccine Adoption: What challenges do PCPs foresee in implementing a new RSV vaccine?
This research aims to pave the way for better prevention and management of RSV among the adult population.
The study had a response rate of 67% (620 out of 930). However, 49% of respondents (303 individuals) were excluded from the analysis because they reported rarely or never caring for an adult patient with possible RSV in the past year. Among the 317 respondents who did care for RSV patients, 73% believed that influenza is generally more severe than RSV in patients aged 50 and older, and 57% rarely considered RSV as a potential pathogen. Additionally, 61% of these respondents indicated that they do not test for RSV due to the lack of available treatment.
The most commonly anticipated barriers to the adoption of an RSV vaccine were potential out-of-pocket expenses for patients if the vaccine is not covered by insurance (93%) and lack of reimbursement for vaccination (74%).
Physicians reported limited experience with RSV in adults and generally do not test for it, believing influenza to be more severe. To improve RSV management, physicians will need more information about the disease burden in adults and the necessity of a vaccine for their patients.
Hurley, L. P., Allison, M. A., Kim, L., O’Leary, S.,T., Crane, L. A., Brtnikova, M., . . . Kempe, A. (2019). Primary care physicians’ perspectives on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in adults and a potential RSV vaccine for adults. Vaccine, 37(4), 565-570. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.031