Adults with diabetes have higher risk of hospitalization due to RSV

Within the framework of the congress, GSK Vietnam partnered with Vietnam Association of Diabetes and Endocrinology in satellite symposium sessions.

Facing the growing burden of disease among older adults and the presence of comorbidities that increase susceptibility to infectious diseases, healthcare experts discussed the importance of integrating vaccination against infectious diseases into comprehensive care for people with diabetes.

People with diabetes: High-risk group for severe RSV infection

RSV is a highly contagious seasonal virus that can spread via respiratory route through inhalation of droplets when a person coughs or sneezes or through contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals.

The virus can transmit within households. On average, one infected person can spread the pathogen to three others.

The clinical presentation of RSV varies from asymptomatic carriage through cold-like symptoms to acute respiratory distress.

In certain cases, RSV can lead to serious conditions associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, hospitalization, or death.

In Vietnam, an estimated 7 million people are living with diabetes, with more than 55 percent already experiencing complications, including cardiovascular, neurological, and renal issues.

Research indicates that people with diabetes is at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases, including RSV infection, compared to those without diabetes.

Adults with diabetes have a 2.4–11.4 times higher risk of hospitalization due to RSV, compared to those without diabetes, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Thi Kim Thanh, vice-rector of Hanoi Medical University.

The disease caused by RSV can lead to severe complications and significantly impact quality of life.

This challenge is compounded by the fact that RSV treatment is mainly supportive, with no specific antiviral treatment available.

Proactive prevention strategy: Adult immunization, role of healthcare professionals

Focusing on the prevention of infectious diseases in individuals with diabetes is essential to mitigate the impact of these conditions on personal lives, society, and healthcare systems.

Current vaccine strategies are being implemented using advanced technologies that enhance immune response, thereby potentially delivering more positive impacts for older adults.

More than 80 percent of people with diabetes express trust and agree to receive influenza vaccination when recommended by a diabetologist, underscoring the critical role of healthcare professionals in promoting immunization and reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the community.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2025), people with diabetes should receive essential vaccines based on age, including vaccine against hepatitis B, COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal, RSV, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, said Prof. Dr. Tran Huu Dang, president of the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health's 2020 guidelines for type 2 diabetes diagnosis and treatment also recommend annual influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, as well as hepatitis B immunization.

In 2025, the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes continues discussions on consensus to include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and RSV vaccinations for type 2 diabetes patients, emphasizing proactive disease prevention in high-risk groups.

Recent advances in vaccine technology have enhanced immune response and can deliver more positive impacts for older adults, according to Prof. Tony Cunningham, head of the Vaccine Department, Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases – University of Sydney.

In addition, effective prevention of infectious diseases relies heavily on the role of treating physicians.

They are key partners in helping patients understand the importance of vaccination, recognize potential disease risks, and make informed decisions to proactively get vaccinated and protect the long-term health.