RSV can have serious consequences for adults over age 60
RSV is an annual concern
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It is a common and highly contagious virus that follows a seasonal pattern, which usually lasts from the fall to the early spring.
Being infected with RSV does not offer long-term immunity from the virus—people can get reinfected every RSV season.
Why older adults are at higher risk of severe RSV infection
Why older adults are at higher risk of severe RSV infection
For many adults, RSV infection is mild, causing cold-like symptoms that last 1–2 weeks. However, RSV can cause severe illness in adults over age 60. As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, which puts older adults at increased risk of severe RSV or related complications.
For adults with pre-existing conditions, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), congestive heart failure, or even asthma, the risk of severe illness increases.
Common signs and symptoms of RSV in adults
RSV may seem like just a cold, with symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Low appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Sneezing
But if RSV progresses and becomes a severe infection, it can cause:
- Pneumonia (an infection in one or both of your lungs)
- Bronchiolitis (swelling of the respiratory tract)
If your RSV infection is becoming more serious, you may see symptoms such as:
Really bad cough
Breathing more quickly than usual
Wheezing, or a whistling sound when you breathe
High fever
Skin that appears white, grey, bluish, or purplish because you aren’t getting enough oxygen
RSV can lead to other complications
RSV can spread to the lower respiratory tract and cause infections in the lungs, which can be serious for older adults, as well as for people who are immunocompromised or have a chronic heart or lung condition.
In adults, a severe RSV infection can cause complications, including:
In severe cases, RSV can lead to hospitalization and even death.
- RSV is common and highly contagious.
- RSV can have serious consequences in older adults.
- RSV can cause pneumonia, congestive heart failure, bronchiolitis, and worsening asthma or COPD.
- Adults 65+ have 10x higher risk of being hospitalized due to RSV than adults aged 45–64.
- You can get RSV multiple times.
More information about RSV
ABRYSVO is a vaccine to help prevent disease of the lower respiratory tract (lungs) caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). ABRYSVO is given to pregnant individuals (from 32 through 36 weeks’ gestation) to protect their infants from birth through 6 months of age, and individuals 60 years of age and older. As with any vaccine, ABRYSVO will not protect 100% of those who receive it. ABRYSVO is not a treatment for RSV infection or its complications. Like all vaccines, ABRYSVO can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
For more information, please consult the Product Monograph or call 1-800-463-6001.