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Understanding more about RSV and the risk to older adults

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious complications in adults aged 60 years or older, particularly in those with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.


Don’t let RSV come between you and your loved ones.

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On this page you’ll learn:
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What is RSV and how does it spread?

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RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can make you very sick and possibly send you to hospital, especially if you are aged 60 years or older.
RSV spreads quickly and easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infection can also occur through contact with surfaces the virus has landed on, such as tables, door handles and household objects.
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Ageing and RSV

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As you age, you are at greater risk of experiencing more severe RSV because your body has a harder time fighting the infection.
It’s important to help protect yourself against potentially serious respiratory diseases like RSV.
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RSV and other health conditions

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If you are over 60 and living with certain conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, you could be at increased risk of severe RSV.
RSV can also cause severe disease in people in long-term care facilities as well as those with a weakened immune system.
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RSV can be serious

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Most people who catch RSV recover within a week or two by resting at home. However, adults aged 60 years or older may have weakened immune systems, putting them at increased risk of severe complications, such as breathing difficulties, which can lead to hospital admission. In a small number of cases, RSV can be fatal..
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Longer hospital stays

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Adults 60 years or older who are hospitalised with RSV tend to have longer hospital stays compared to younger people and those hospitalised with the flu.1,2
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Higher risk: At least 40% of adults aged 60 and above have an ongoing medical condition that increases the risk of severe complications from RSV.3

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Severe RSV can have a lasting impact on older adults

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Studies have shown that hospital admission can reduce the ability of older adults to live independently following discharge.*
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After discharge from hospital, some older adults may have trouble with daily activities, such as:4-6

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Getting dressed

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Going to the bathroom

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Feeding themselves

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*Majority of study participants were aged >75 years; many had other chronic health issues and were admitted to hospital for conditions other than RSV.
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RSV symptoms can range from mild to severe

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RSV can start with mild symptoms similar to the common cold, such as congestion, runny nose, sore throat or fever. But RSV may escalate to more severe symptoms.
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For a full list of symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional.
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Wet cough

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A cough that produces phlegm or mucus.

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Wheezing

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A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing.

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Gasping for breath

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Laboured or difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath.

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Pneumonia

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An infection that causes fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

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Managing RSV

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If you get sick with RSV, your doctor may tell you to:
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Drink fluids and take over-the-counter medicines that help reduce fever and aches.

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Go to the hospital if your symptoms quickly become worse or you are having trouble breathing.

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Ways to protect against RSV

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Washing your hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, and cleaning contaminated surfaces can help stop the spread of RSV, but there may be more you can do.
Talk to your healthcare professional about how you can help protect yourself from RSV.
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Babies are also at risk of getting sick due to RSV

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References:

  1. Saravanos GL, et al. Med J Aust. 2019;210:447-445.
  2. Ackerson B, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;69:197-203.
  3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey, 2022 (including data prepared for Pfizer).
  4. Branche AR, et al. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2022;16:1151-1160.
  5. Soh CH, et al. Med J Aust. 2021;215:173-179.
  6. Lowthian JA, et al. Age Ageing. 2017;46:219-225.
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