Protecting Thailand's Youngest and Oldest from RSV, Flu

Bangkok Post

6 days ago

Bangkok, July 7, 2025 — As Thailand transitions from the rainy to early winter seasons, respiratory infections surge dramatically, making awareness and proper prevention crucial. Recognising this urgent public health concern, Sanofi Thailand supported a vital Health Talk session at Thailand Healthcare 2025 under the topic: "Infants Catch It Easily, the Elderly are at High Risk: Understanding RSV and Influenza." The session featured distinguished medical experts Prof. Dr. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sophida Boonsathorn Reeves, infectious disease specialists from the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. They shared comprehensive knowledge and strategic prevention approaches to protect families, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups: newborns, infants, and seniors aged 65 and above.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents a significant threat as a primary cause of respiratory infections in newborns and infants (0–2 years). The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. Its reach is extensive—nearly all children will contract RSV at least once by age five, with an overwhelming 90% infected by age two and 50% within their first year of life. RSV outbreaks are mostly seasonal. In Thailand, the outbreak typically begins with the rainy season around June to July, peaks between August and October, and gradually declines in November and December.
A common misconception among new mothers is that babies who stay indoors are automatically safe. However, this false sense of security overlooks the reality that family members can unknowingly bring the virus home, putting even homebound infants at substantial risk. RSV manifests through symptoms including persistent coughing, characteristic wheezing, thick mucus production, and high fever. Particularly concerning is that one in three infected children may progress to severe lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
The absence of specific treatment for RSV—with care limited to supportive measures—underscores the critical importance of prevention, especially for infants under 12 months.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sophida Boonsathorn Reeves emphasised this urgency: "Infants under one year—whether full-term, premature, or with underlying conditions—are all at risk of severe RSV, potentially requiring ICU care or even resulting in death."
Recent medical advances have introduced RSV monoclonal antibodies that can be administered directly to provide immediate protection. Compelling clinical evidence demonstrates their effectiveness in reducing hospitalisations from lower respiratory tract infections by 79.5%, decreasing overall RSV-related hospitalisations by 83.2%, and reducing ICU admissions by 75.3%.
The Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand (RCPedT) has issued comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for the use of Nirsevimab. It is recommended that all healthy newborns and infants under eight months of age receive Nirsevimab, with consideration also given to healthy infants aged 8 to 12 months. Ideally, the antibody should be administered prior to the onset of the RSV season, which typically spans from June to October each year. For infants born during this period, Nirsevimab should be given as soon as possible after birth. The protection begins immediately upon administration and provides immunity for at least six months throughout the RSV season.
Prof. Dr. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, an infectious disease specialist, reported alarming statistics: within just the first half of 2025, Thailand documented over 370,000 influenza cases resulting in 51 deaths, predominantly among seniors aged 65 and over due to naturally weakened immunity and existing health conditions.
Annual influenza vaccination is essential, particularly during the rainy to early winter season when transmission rates peak. Seniors are strongly advised to consult their healthcare providers about timely vaccination.
Prof. Dr. Sasisopin explained this vulnerability: "Older adults face heightened risks due to weakened immunity and chronic illnesses like heart, kidney, or lung disease. Influenza can significantly worsen these underlying conditions, potentially leading to serious complications or death."
Two distinct vaccine formulations are available: the standard dose for individuals aged six months and older, and the high-dose formulation specifically designed for adults aged 65 and above. The high-dose vaccine contains four times more antigen to generate a stronger immune response in older recipients. Extensive research demonstrates that high-dose vaccines substantially reduce influenza infection risk by 24%, decrease hospitalisation rates by 64%, and lower mortality by 49% compared to standard-dose alternatives. High-dose influenza vaccines have maintained an excellent safety and efficacy record in the United States and Europe for over a decade, with more than 200 million doses administered globally.
Both the World Health Organization and Thailand's Department of Disease Control confirm that three-strain and four-strain influenza vaccines offer comparable protection levels, noting that the B/Yamagata strain has not circulated significantly since 2020. Consequently, three-strain vaccines currently provide adequate immunological coverage.
Conclusion As seasonal patterns elevate RSV and influenza prevalence, comprehensive awareness and implementation of appropriate preventive strategies are vital to protect yourself and your loved ones. Sanofi Thailand maintains its steadfast commitment to enhancing immunity among Thai people, reducing the burden of preventable illnesses, and fostering improved long-term health outcomes nationwide.