Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A Disease of All Ages

RSV is a common cause of acute respiratory illness in infants, young children, older adults, and adults with certain underlying medical conditions. 1

RSV is a prevalent disease with lifelong reinfections and is associated with significant clinical and economic burden in vulnerable adults2-4

Virus, RSV

Most children have had an RSV infection by two years of age.2 Immunity after natural RSV infection wanes, and re-infection occurs throughout life.3,4

Medical, Heartbeat

In adults, RSV infection typically results in mild, cold-like symptoms, but may cause hospitalization and death in vulnerable adults.5

Patient, RSV

Older adults (especially 65 years or older), adults with certain underlying medical conditions and adults with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness from RSV infection.5

Estimated annual burden of RSV infection among older adults aged ≥65 years in the US:5,6

Patient

~2.2 million symptomatic RSV infections6

Stethoscope, Patient, RSV

~177,000 hospitalizations7

Medical, RSV

Estimated 14,000 deaths7

Learn more about RSV disease and its burden in adults:

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RSV Disease Overview

RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that can lead to serious complications in adults

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Clinical Burden of RSV in Adults

Older adults and adults with certain underlying conditions are at increased risk of severe illness due to RSV infection

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RSV Diagnosis and Supportive Care

Testing for RSV is key for diagnosis, and the mainstay of therapy is supportive care

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Abbreviation

RSV, respiratory syncytial virus

References

  1. CDC, 2020. RSV -For Healthcare Providers. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/clinical/index.html. Accessed September 2022.
  2. CDC, 2020. RSV in infants and young children. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html. Accessed August 2022.
  3. Graham BS. Immunol Rev 2011;239:149–166.
  4. Anderson LJ et al. Vaccine 2013;31S:B209–B215.
  5. CDC, 2020. RSV in older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html. Accessed August 2022.
  6. June 2022 ACIP presentation on "RSV in adults". Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2022-06-22-23/04-RSV-Havers-508.pdf. 
  7. Falsey AR et al. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1749–1759.