Respiratory Viruses Can be Defeated in 2023

Considering the increase of respiratory viruses activity in the Andean sub-region and Southern cone, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) today recommended Member States strengthen and integrate surveillance for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2.

And the PAHO suggested, on June 6, 2023, adopting the necessary measures for preventing and controlling severe outcomes, including ensuring high vaccination coverage in high-risk groups such as children.

In the Southern sub-region, influenza activity has shown a marked increase with high circulation levels. Influenza A viruses have predominated during the last four epidemiological weeks (EW).

And RSV activity has shown a pronounced rise and is currently at medium circulation levels in the past EW.

SARS-CoV-2 activity has remained at low levels. 

As the Southern Hemisphere's 2023-2024 influenza season accelerates, various flu shots are available for most people over six months.

And for infants, the RSV monoclonal antibody palivizumab should be administered during the first year of life to infants with hemodynamically significant heart disease or chronic lung disease of prematurity (<32 weeks gestation who require >21% O2 for the first 28 days of life).