B is for Burden: Understanding the True Impact of RSV | The A–Z of RSV
B is for Burden of Disease How large is the burden of RSV in infants who are otherwise healthy? In this episode of The A–Z of RSV, host Lieke de Vrankrijker is joined by paediatric infectious diseases specialist and researcher Joanne Wildenbeest to explore the burden of RSV disease, with a particular focus on healthy term-born infants. They discuss research showing that RSV burden extends beyond traditionally recognised high-risk groups, including the risk of hospitalisation among otherwise healthy infants and why the youngest babies are particularly vulnerable. The conversation also explores the wider burden of RSV infections managed outside the hospital, the influence of age and seasonality, healthcare-seeking by parents, and the association between RSV and subsequent wheezing. Looking ahead, Lieke and Joanne discuss how a better understanding of RSV burden can inform prevention and immunisation strategies, and what we still need to learn as RSV prevention is increasingly implemented. The A–Z of RSV is a ReSViNET podcast series exploring RSV from A to Z with researchers, clinicians and experts from around the world. Stay up to date with the podcast series by subscribing to the RSV newsletter: https://resvinet.org/sign-up-newsletter/ For more information about ReSViNET, visit: www.resvinet.org This podcast episode is supported by GSK.
