2023-09-30 00:00:37
Messenger RNA technology has generated new generation, highly effective vaccines.
Respiratory infections RSV, Covid-19 and influenza cause similar symptoms and are the cause behind the winter tripledemic.
Given the recent increase in infections, the UNAM recommends returning to the use of face masks, especially in closed spaces.
Since 2022, high peaks in cases of a triple threat respiratory virus have been recorded in Latin America. It is a pattern that begins to repeat itself annually and serves as a reminder about the importance of continuing the development of seasonal vaccines. Experts have called this phenomenon as “tripledemia” and made up of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and influenza.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced an alert for the activity of these respiratory viruses that could reach pre-pandemic levels in the region. Therefore, among the recommendations are strengthening surveillance of these viruses, adopting the necessary measures for the prevention and control of serious cases, in addition to ensuring high vaccination coverage in high-risk groups.
Forecasts for winter in Latin America
In recent months, countries in the Southern Cone of Latin America such as: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay registered an increase in the activity of these respiratory viruses, mainly RSV. For example, during the first half of this year, cases in Chile are 122% higher compared to the same period in 2022.
5 recommendations for protection against tripledemic during the holidays
In addition to this, in recent weeks the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about the presence of two new subvariants of Covid-19 that are under global monitoring. Are “Eris” (EG.5) and “Pyrola” (BA.2.86) and can cause an increase in the incidence of cases and become dominant in some countries or even globally. Therefore, the need for updated and seasonal vaccines will increase as new variants of concern emerge and the protection provided by the Covid-19 vaccine decreases over time.
This panorama is key for countries that are approaching the autumn/winter season such as Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico. In addition, the holiday season full of travel and meetings is approaching, where vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women and people with an immunological disease will have a greater risk of infection.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has reported an increase in the number of cases and positive Covid-19 diagnostic tests, indicating that the virus is circulating widely locally in various areas of the country. Therefore, it is recommended to return to the use of face masks in closed spaces.
Tripledemic, is there a vaccine in development?
The development of new technologies has made it possible to have vaccines available to address respiratory viruses and other diseases. In recent years they have demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting the immune system and, consequently, helping to relieve pressure on health systems around the world.
Unpublished! First vaccine against RSV approved for pregnant women
An example of the above are vaccines based on messenger RNA, a technology that is experiencing exponential growth. Furthermore, according to experts, it is expected that biologics from this platform will predominate in the short and medium term.
Promising advances have recently been reported to protect vulnerable populations against RSV. These include Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, to prevent lower respiratory tract disease and acute respiratory illness in adults over 60 years of age.
In addition to the above, research and development of a combined vaccine against RSV, influenza and COVID-19 is also underway. If it comes to fruition, it could be key to immunizing, with a single annual dose, against the three major respiratory diseases that endanger the population. It is expected to be ready in the next three or five years.
Also read:
5 recommendations for protection against tripledemic during the holidays
Unpublished! First vaccine against RSV approved for pregnant women
Holiday Illnesses: From Christmas Tree Syndrome to White Depression and Holiday Heart Syndrome
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