RSV in Older Adults

What to know

  • RSV can be dangerous for older adults, especially those who have certain medical conditions, are elderly or frail, or live in a nursing home.
  • CDC recommends everyone ages 75 and older get an RSV vaccine.
  • CDC recommends adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease get an RSV vaccine.
  • If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.
Older adult patient lies in bed as doctor presses stethoscope onto chest

Overview

RSV can be dangerous for certain adults. Each year, an estimated 100,000–160,000 adults ages 60 and older in the United States are hospitalized due to RSV. Adults at highest risk for severe RSV disease include:

  • Adults ages 75 and older
  • Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
  • Adults with weakened immune systems
  • Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions, including some adults with diabetes or obesity
  • Adults living in nursing homes

For the complete list of risk factors for severe RSV disease, see RSV Clinical Overview.

Spotlight‎

CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance provides actions you can take to protect yourself and others from health risks caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses.

Severe RSV

When an adult gets RSV, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop pneumonia (an infection in the lungs). Adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized. Severe RSV can be fatal for some adults.

RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of serious conditions such as:

Adults 60 and older who are at increased risk include those with certain chronic medical conditions, those who are elderly or frail, and those living in nursing homes.

When to seek emergency care‎‎

Call your healthcare professional if you have difficulty breathing, have trouble eating or drinking, feel chest pain or pressure, experience sudden dizziness or confusion, or experience worsening of symptoms.

RSV vaccine for older adults

CDC recommends an RSV vaccine if you are ages 75 or older or if you are ages 60–74 and are at increased risk for severe RSV.

Resources

RSV in Older Adults Flyer

Older adults are at high risk for severe RSV illness. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that affects the lungs. RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 and older, and people 60-74 who are increased risk of severe RSV
Flyer with information about RSV for older adults

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