TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Specialist in Internal Medicine with a Subspecialty in Tropical Diseases and Infections, Robert Sinto, stated that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) disease can lead to serious complications, even death. "This virus can cause serious complications, even death, especially when considering the large global population," said Robert during the event 'Protecting Respiratory Health in the Golden Years: Unraveling the Dangers of RSV in the Elderly and How to Prevent It' by Pfizer, held at the World Trade Centre 3, Jakarta, early December 2025.
RSV disease has now become a serious concern in the medical world due to its significant impact on public health. Although often considered as a common cold, RSV can trigger severe complications, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly or people with underlying diseases. International studies show that 3-7 percent of the general population can be infected with RSV in a single period, while in the at-risk group, the numbers increase to 4-10 percent. Of those infected, 17-28 percent require medical assistance, 4-10 percent are hospitalized, 6-15 percent require ICU admission, and 1-10 percent end in death.
Robert explained the results of a study from Singapore which indicated that around 5 percent of upper respiratory tract infection cases negative for influenza are caused by RSV. The risk of this disease increases with age. In other countries, RSV even accounts for about 10 percent of community-acquired pneumonia cases. This virus not only attacks the upper respiratory tract but also has the potential to develop into a severe infection requiring intensive medical intervention, especially in vulnerable groups. These findings confirm that RSV is a serious threat that is often underestimated.
RSV complications are said to be much more complex than just acute infection. Groups with comorbidities such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, neurological disorders, and immunocompromised patients are at the highest risk. "Patients with kidney failure are at 6.5 times higher risk of hospitalization due to RSV compared to those without such conditions," said Robert.
Even seemingly healthy elderly groups experience a six-fold increased risk of hospitalization upon reaching the age of 75 and above. In addition to lung infections, RSV can also trigger heart failure, heart attacks, and transplant failures in patients with compromised immunity.
When compared to influenza, RSV has equally severe impacts. In the United States, 12 percent of influenza patients require hospitalization, while for RSV, the number reaches 15 percent. In terms of ventilator usage, influenza records 13 percent and RSV 10 percent. After discharge from the hospital, 5 percent of RSV patients still require long-term care, while approximately 6 percent of influenza patients also need long-term care. "The mortality rate is almost the same, at 8 percent for RSV and 7 percent for influenza. This means that RSV is not milder and is equally dangerous," emphasized Robert.
As effective antiviral therapy for RSV, such as ribavirin, is not available in Indonesia, prevention becomes the primary measure. The RSV vaccine emerges as a solution with an effectiveness of about 80 percent in preventing symptomatic infection and hospitalization, lasting up to the second year with 77 percent effectiveness. This vaccine has been administered in more than eight billion doses globally and proven to be safe, with a very low risk of serious side effects such as Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS), ranging from 0-18 cases. Moreover, the risk of stroke after vaccination is lower than the risk due to natural RSV infection.
"RSV vaccine can be given concurrently with influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, or shingles vaccines without reducing each vaccine's effectiveness," he added. Hence, Robert emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for the elderly and people with underlying diseases, considering that these groups are the most vulnerable to severe complications.
With increased awareness and broader access to vaccination, it is hoped that the risk of serious RSV-related diseases can be reduced. Preventive measures have proven to be the most effective way to protect vulnerable groups and reduce the overall health burden.
APRILIAN RODO RIZKY
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