RSV AND OLDER ADULTS

Being an older adult can put you at increased risk for severe infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)1,2

If you’re an older adult, RSV could cut your plans short.1,2

While you may be doing everything you can to stay healthy, the immune system typically weakens with older age, and has a harder time fighting off infections, such as those from RSV.8

While RSV infections are typically mild, there is still a possibility it could pose a severe threat, especially in older adults.1,3-7

Part of that severe threat is that RSV infection can cause serious complications, such as exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adults.1,3-7

In older adults, RSV is a significant cause of pneumonia and other severe lower respiratory tract complications. RSV can cause severe infections that may lead to hospitalization in adults aged 60 and older and adults living with certain underlying conditions like CHF, asthma, and COPD.1,4-6

DO YOU KNOW RSV?

True or false: Only babies can contract RSV.

get the answer down-arrow

False. People of all ages can get RSV.

RSV infection can have long-term effects on older adults9

RSV can diminish your independence, even after recovery. For older adults, certain daily tasks can become challenging after recovering from RSV infection, such as:9

icon-eating

Eating

icon-washing

Washing

icon-walking

Walking

icon-breathing

Breathing

Even after recovery, RSV may cause prolonged loss of physical or emotional function in some older adults. These long-term challenges can impact relationships, social activities, productivity, and sleep ability.9

Some older adults (aged ≥60) hospitalized with RSV may require certain aid upon being discharged, such as:5,10
  • Taking on a home health service
  • Moving to a skilled nursing facility
  • Moving to a residential facility or nursing home

Certain people hospitalized with RSV may even have to be readmitted to the hospital 6 months after discharge.5

Did you know?

Among older adults 60 years of age and older in high-income countries,* RSV causes approximately 470,000 hospitalizations. Of those hospitalizations, ~7% result in death.11,12

*High-income countries include the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. No incidence data were available for South Korea

Remember, there is no specific treatment for RSV in adults but learning who is at risk of severe infections from RSV can help protect you and your loved ones.

For further information about RSV, please consult your doctor.13

Any information provided on this website should be discussed with a healthcare professional and does not replace a healthcare professional's advice.

References: 1. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011 2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36 3. Stephens LM;Vaccines;2021;9;624 4. Belongia EA;Open Forum Infect Dis;2018;1-10 5. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310 6. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608 7. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions 8. Watson A;Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease;2021;15;1-17 9. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16;462-473 10. Falsey AR;Open Forum Infect Dis;2021;8;1-11 11. Savic M;Influenza Other Respi Viruses;2022;1–10 12. United Nations;2019;1-1238;World Population Prospects 2019 13. CDC;June;2018;1-2;Older Adults Are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection

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