Speakers
Joshua Wald, MD, FRCPC
McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

George Zhanel, PharmD, PhD, FCAHS
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Moderator
Vivien Brown, CCFP, FCFP, MSCP
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

Session Description

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is well recognized as a predictable seasonal infection in infants; however, older adults including those with underlying comorbidities are at greater risk of severeoutcomes from RSV. This educational session will delve into the latest research and clinical practices surrounding RSV in older adults. Given the increasing recognition of RSV as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in this population, we will explore the epidemiology, burden of disease, clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and new preventative strategies specifically in the Canadian context. The session will highlight the emerging evidence and implementation into practice of new RSV vaccines. The aim is to equip respirologists and respiratory health professionals with the knowledge and tools to understand the burden of disease, differentiate, and prevent RSV disease in older adults, contributing to improved patient outcomes and public health.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand the epidemiology, burden of disease and clinical manifestations of RSV in Older Adults: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, risk factors including underlying comorbidities of RSV in older adults with a specific focus on the Canadian population and individuals living with chronic lung disease
  • Discuss the clinical presentation, testing and current management strategies: Develop an understanding of the clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges presented by RSV in older adults, and current management strategies
  • Describe current evidence for emerging RSV vaccines: Review RSV vaccines (authorized and pending approval) for older adults and discuss implementation of RSV vaccination into clinical practice and public health in Canada.

CanMEDS Roles: Collaborator, Communicator, Health Advocate, Leader, Medical Expert, Scholar

This session is co-developed by the CTS and GSK, Moderna and Pfizer and is planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity and balance.