OVERVIEW

Exploring Prevention Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Older Adults: A Podcast Series is organized by Healio and Vindico Medical Education.

This enduring material is approved for 1 year from the date of original release, June 21, 2022, to June 20, 2023.

Activity Description:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly prevalent respiratory infection and a leading cause of bronchitis and pneumonia. Although most cases manifest clinically as mild-to-moderate upper respiratory disease, severe sequelae can occur in high-risk individuals. RSV infections can be particularly dangerous for older and immunocompromised adults, leading to complications such as pneumonia and worsening of chronic cardiopulmonary disease. In this Expert Exchange podcast series, faculty will examine the burden of RSV infection in older adults, risk factors for severe disease, diagnostic challenges, and strategies for preventing RSV in older adults—highlighting recent evidence for vaccines in late-stage development.

Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
• Assess the prevalence and burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in older adults, including complications and risk factors for the progression of the disease.
• Evaluate diagnostic criteria, challenges, and tools for the differential diagnosis of RSV in older adults.
• Describe modalities to enhance the awareness of the disease state and prevention of RSV.
• Examine the evidence for investigational vaccines for the prevention of RSV infection in older adults.