Episode Summary:

Despite a multiyear pandemic and availability of vaccines to decrease the impact of severe respiratory viral infections, such as RSV and Influenza, thousands of patients are hospitalized every year. Additionally, healthcare professionals and the general public have not achieved a satisfactory immunization rate for these infections. In today’s episode we sit down with a pulmonologist and a hospitalist to discuss RSV and Influenza, at-risk patient populations, the risks of severe infection, and available vaccines and treatment options.

Key Takeaways:

• The CDC estimates there have been at least 20 million illnesses from Influenza so far this season. (Jan. 2024)

• RSV is increasingly recognized as an important cause of severe respiratory disease in older adults.

• RSV and Influenza are highly prevalent viruses in older people, and are associated with negative outcomes.

• Immunization options for older patients and immunocompromised patients are available to protect against RSV and Influenza.

• Collaborate with patients to inform, support and encourage healthy decisions, such as vaccination.

CME Information:

• This podcast episode is supported by the POMA Foundation. The POMAF is collaborating with other osteopathic state and specialty organizations across the country to educate osteopathic physicians, their patents and the public on RSV and Influenza. This work is supported by a grant from Sanofi.

• This episode was developed entirely by POMA. None of the panelists or planners for this episode have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

• The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. POMA designates this activity for a maximum of 0.75 Category 1-B AOA CME credits. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the AOA.

• Attest online at www.poma.org/pomapodcast

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