2023-11-08 20:30:00
Doctors are asking Quebec to reimburse the new vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in the same way as influenza and COVID-19, for seniors in order to better combat the “triple epidemic” of respiratory viruses.
• Read also: Prepare for a “triple epidemic” of respiratory viruses this fall in Quebec
“When we think about how to help the health system, prevent a frequent disease that causes a lot of traffic in emergency rooms, RSV becomes an interesting target,” says the head of the intensive care department at the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec (IUCPQ), Dr Mathieu Simon.
Dr. Mathieu Simon Archive photo, Stevens Leblanc
Four times more
Currently, RSV is four times more common than the flu in the province’s emergency rooms, notes the doctor.
The most recent data from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) count nearly 300 cases of RSV in the last week, compared to around thirty for influenza.
Newly approved by Health Canada for seniors, the Arexvy RSV vaccine was immediately deployed by Ontario, which added it to its vaccination program among seniors aged 60 and over living in a seniors’ residence or a CHSLD.
In Quebec, a person aged 60 and over can pay it out of pocket, but at a cost of $300.
“The vaccine is very effective in reducing complications and hospitalizations. If we do not discuss it, we are depriving ourselves of a means of protection for our patients,” argues Dr Alex Carignan.
Long underestimated
The microbiologist-infectious disease specialist from Sherbrooke emphasizes that the impact of RSV has long been underestimated, since it was not detected.
“It was seen as a mild illness,” he says, particularly because it affects young children a lot and the symptoms are similar to those of the flu.
But RSV, which is very contagious, is a significant source of hospitalization among seniors and patients suffering from cardiorespiratory diseases, continues Dr. Carignan.
“The population is aging and becoming more vulnerable,” adds Dr Simon.
Believing that it is difficult to increase the already limited resources of the health network, he pleads for more prevention in view of the “very difficult season from November to February” for respiratory viruses.
How to differentiate between RSV, Influenza or COVID-19
Symptoms of RSV include:
Runny nose Cough Sneezing Wheezing Fever Loss of appetite and decreased energy
Symptoms of influenza:
fever cough muscle aches headache chills fatigue loss of appetite sore throat runny or stuffy nose
Symptoms of COVID-19:
sore throat sneezing new or worsening cough shortness of breath or difficulty breathing temperature at or above 38°C muscle pain or aches loss of sense of smell or taste headache abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
Source: Health Canada
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