The fall and winter seasons bring many things: changing leaves, the holidays, and an increase in seasonal illnesses. Colds and flu are common ailments during the colder months, but there’s another, often overlooked virus that makes many people sick: RSV.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that spreads easily through respiratory droplets (small droplets of moisture) when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through direct contact with an RSV-infected person, or by touching a contaminated surface. It can cause cold, flu and Covid-like symptoms such as runny nose, fever, wheezing and difficulty breathing. RSV affects millions of people each year and results in an estimated 110,000 to 180,000 hospitalizations in adults age 50 and older in the United States
The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, babies and children, as well as for people aged 75 and over and for high-risk adults aged 50 to 74. You can receive the vaccine at any time of the year, but it is best to get vaccinated in late summer or fall.
Because many illnesses spread during the colder months, it’s important to know your risk and how to reduce it so you can take the necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Here are seven things you may not know about RSV.
1. RSV affects not only babies but also adults
While RSV is more common and often more severe in children under 5, adults can also develop the respiratory virus. Many adults with RSV may experience only mild symptoms, such as a runny nose or fever, while others become seriously ill and require hospitalization. Each year, approximately 10,000 adults in the United States die from RSV complications.
There is a significant risk of complications, particularly in older adults. Because aging and certain chronic diseases weaken the immune system, RSV vaccination is recommended to reduce the risk of serious illness.
2. RSV can cause pneumonia
RSV is a leading cause of pneumonia or pneumonia. This chronic lung disease can develop when RSV enters the lower respiratory tract.
Pneumonia can be serious for anyone, but especially for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic heart or lung disease.
4. RSV can worsen existing heart disease
Beyond possible pulmonary complications, RSV can put strain on the heart, cause inflammation, increase blood pressure and increase the likelihood of blood clots.
If you are an older adult with heart disease, heart failure, or a similar condition, this added stress can trigger serious cardiac events or worsen symptoms.
5. Chronic illness increases the risk of RSV
Certain chronic illnesses make it harder for your body to fight respiratory diseases because they weaken your body’s ability to fight infections or affect organs. Severe RSV complications when treating a chronic illness can lead to chronic breathing problems or hospitalization.
Adults with the following chronic illnesses are at higher risk of having a more severe RSV infection:
- asthma
- Chronic heart failure (CHF)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- COPD
- Coronary heart disease (CHD)
- diabetes
- obesity
6. The RSV vaccine may provide additional benefits beyond RSV protection
In addition to protecting against the respiratory virus, the vaccine may provide other health benefits. Early research suggests a link between RSV vaccination and a lower risk of dementia in older adults. However, further studies are needed to confirm this.
7. Ex-smokers still have a higher risk of severe RSV complications
Even years after quitting, you may still be at increased risk of getting RSV. Smoking can permanently damage your lung tissue and immune system, reducing your body’s ability to fight off the virus and increasing the likelihood of more serious RSV complications.
Protect yourself from RSV
You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with RSV by getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces. These measures do not eliminate the risk, but can significantly reduce it.
RSV can be a serious disease, but prevention and early awareness can make a big difference. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations and the best ways to protect yourself.
This educational resource was created with support from Moderna.
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