Emphasis on Proactive Measures Against Chronic Diseases and RSV Risk in the Elderly

At a scientific conference organized by the Vietnam Association of Gerontology in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, experts discussed the critical importance of proactive measures and vaccination to protect elderly individuals with weakened immune systems and underlying chronic diseases from conditions such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus and shingles.

Aging Population and Increasing Risks

With the growing elderly population, the risk of infectious diseases increases significantly in older adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunodeficiency.

The Danger of Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory Syncytial Virus stands out as a critical pathogen that can lead to severe infections and deaths in elderly individuals.

In Vietnam, millions of acute respiratory infection cases, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths are projected among individuals aged sixty and older over the next five years.

Expert Opinions and Vaccination Counseling

Prof. Dr. David Halpin from the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK emphasized that protecting vulnerable groups through vaccination is of vital importance.

Dr. Doan Thu Tra, Deputy Director of the Tropical Medicine Institute at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that vaccine counseling has been successfully integrated into routine examinations and discharge processes.

Immunosenescence and Precautions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology drew attention to the phenomenon of immunosenescence and explained the dangers associated with it.

The conference also addressed that the risk of shingles increases markedly in individuals with conditions such as asthma, COPD, and diabetes.