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The fall and winter seasons bring many things: changing leaves, holidays, and an increase in seasonal illnesses. Colds and flu are common ailments during the colder months, but there’s another commonly 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, during direct contact with an RSV-infected person, or when touching a contaminated surface. It can cause cold, flu and Covid-like symptoms such as nasal congestion, fever, wheezing and difficulty breathing. RSV affects millions of people annually and is estimated to cause between 110,000 and 180,000 hospitalizations in adults age 50 and older in the United States.
The RSV vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, infants and children, as well as for people aged 75 and over and for high-risk adults aged 50 to 74. Although you can get vaccinated at any time of the year, it is best to receive the vaccine in the last days of 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 doesn’t just affect babies; adults can also be infected
Although RSV is more common and often more severe in children under 5 years of age, adults can also become infected with this respiratory virus. Many adults with RSV may experience only mild symptoms, such as nasal congestion or fever, while others may become seriously ill and require hospitalization. Approximately 10,000 adults in the United States die each year as a result of RSV.
Older adults in particular are at serious risk of complications. Because aging and certain chronic illnesses weaken the immune system, RSV vaccination is recommended as it helps 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 lung or heart disease.
3. Certain lung diseases can cause serious RSV complications
A chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma can increase the risk of serious RSV complications, such as narrowing of the airways and worse inflammation.
Even a mild RSV infection can have greater impact if the lungs are already affected. These complications can cause pneumonia, respiratory failure and hospitalization.
4. RSV can worsen existing heart disease
In addition to possible pulmonary complications, RSV can put strain on the heart, cause inflammation, increase blood pressure and increase the risk of blood clots.
If you are an older adult with heart disease, heart failure, or a related condition, this increased stress could 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 by weakening your body’s ability to deal with infections or affecting your organs. Serious 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 becoming more severely ill with an RSV infection:
- Asma
- Chronic heart failure (CHF)
- Chronic kidney failure (CKD)
- COPD
- Coronary heart disease (CHD)
- diabetes
- obesity
6. The RSV vaccine may provide additional benefits beyond protection against RSV
In addition to protecting against this respiratory virus, vaccination could have other health benefits. New 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 you quit smoking, 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 the virus and increasing your risk of more serious complications from RSV.
How to 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 indoors when it is crowded. These measures will not eliminate the risk, but they could significantly reduce it.
RSV can be a serious disease, but early prevention and awareness can make a difference. Talk to your doctor about this vaccine and the best ways to protect yourself.
This educational resource was created with support from Moderna.
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