Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection that affects the lungs and respiratory system. It is so common that many children are infected with the virus before their second birthday. However, RSV doesn’t just make children sick; the virus can also infect adults. RSV disrupts the cell lining in the airways and when the immune system mounts an attack, it triggers inflammation and an overproduction of mucus. The airways narrow and become clogged with mucus, cellular debris, and fluid, which can make breathing feel like blowing through a plastic straw or whistling like an empty accordion.
While many infections are mild, infants under 2 months of age, all adults over 75, and adults over 50 with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of serious infections and hospitalization.
How does RSV spread?
RSV is contagious and spreads like the flu. Coughing and sneezing propel tiny microdroplets into the air and onto surfaces.
You can become infected with the virus if you breathe in these microdroplets, or if they get into your eyes, nose, or mouth from someone coughing and sneezing near you, or if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face before washing your hands.
Read: Is it Covid, RSV or the flu? >>
Who should receive the RSV vaccine?
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccination for every adult 75 years of age or older or for people over 50 with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe RSV illness, which may result in hospitalization.
Which diseases increase the risk of serious illness from RSV?
The RSV virus can be dangerous in people with impaired organ function or weakened immune systems. If you have multiple illnesses, there is a high risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus. These conditions include:
Contact your healthcare provider (HCP) if you are unsure about your risk status.
How often do you need an RSV vaccination?
Currently, the CDC only recommends RSV vaccine for adults over age 75 or adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. You should receive this vaccine even if you received it during pregnancy.
When is the best time to get an RSV vaccination?
RSV season generally runs from October to March, although this may vary depending on which part of the country you live in. The best time to get vaccinated is late summer or early fall before RSV season begins, but you can get vaccinated at any time. Ask your doctor if he or she recommends vaccination in your area.
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine?
RSV vaccines have similar side effects to other vaccines, which are usually mild, and may include:
- Pain at the injection site
- fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- nausea
- Joint or muscle pain
What are the benefits of the RSV vaccine?
The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Receiving the RSV vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness and complications of a serious illness, such as: B. to prevent a cardiac event triggered by inflammation caused by the virus. It also significantly reduces hospitalization rates for RSV in older adults. And one study even showed that the RSV vaccination can reduce the risk of dementia later in life.
The benefits of the RSV vaccine are similar for pregnant women – it prevents serious illness and hospitalization. It also provides protection to the fetus if the vaccine is administered sometime between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Maternal vaccination has been shown to reduce hospitalizations of newborns who get RSV by 68%.
If a woman did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy, her infant may receive an injection of long-acting RSV antibodies after birth to protect him from serious illness and keep him out of the hospital.
In addition to the health benefits, getting vaccinated can also help your community. When the population is well vaccinated, adults miss work less, students miss school less, and hospitals are less burdened by disease outbreaks.
This educational resource was created with support from Moderna.
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