RSV and Older Adults

Being an older adult can put you at increased risk for severe infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)2,11

If you’re an older adult, RSV could cut your plans short.2,11

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.12

While RSV infections are typically mild, there is still a possibility it could pose a severe threat, especially in older adults.3,4,6,9,11,13

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.3,4,6,9,11,13

In older adults, RSV is a significant cause of pneumonia and other severe lower respiratory tract complications. RSV can cause severe infections that may require hospitalization in adults aged 50 or older with long-term medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease5,6,9,11,13

 

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.2,4,11

RSV infection can have long-term effects on older adults 8

RSV can diminish your independence, even after recovery. For older adults, certain daily tasks can become challenging after recovering from RSV infection,8 such as:

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.8

Some older adults (aged ≥60) hospitalized with RSV may require certain aid upon being discharged, such as: 6,7
  • 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.6

Did you know?

RSV infection is more likely to cause pneumonia and has higher mortality than influenza15*

*Influenza A

RSV infection can be serious. Talk to your doctor to learn more about RSV.1

Reference

  1. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13
  2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine;2017;38;29-36
  3. Stephens LM;Vaccines;2021;9;624
  4. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions. Accessed Dec 2025.
  5. Britton A, et al. Evidence to Recommendations Framework (EtR): RSV Vaccination in Adults Aged 50-59 years, 60-74 years, and 75 years and older. CDC.2024.Accessed Dec 2025.
  6. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310
  7. Falsey AR;Open Forum Infect Dis;2021;8;1-11
  8. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16;462-473
  9. Belongia EA;Open Forum Infect Dis;2018;1-10
  10. Blunck B;Vaccine;2021;39;1248-1256
  11. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011
  12. Watson A;Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease;2021;15;1-17
  13. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608
  14. Lee N;Clin Infect Dis;2013;57;1069–1077
  15. Zhang Y et al. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2020;14;483-490