RSV MAY RAISE THE STAKES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that typically produces mild, cold-like symptoms but can put older adults at risk for severe outcomes.1,2*
*The CDC states that adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, especially those 75 years and older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems.1,3 Data are limited in assessing the risk of severe outcomes due to RSV infection in adults 60-64 years of age.4,5
CDC=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CHF=congestive heart failure; COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Talk to your older adult patients about getting vaccinated against RSV
References:
1. Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). RSV in adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/older-adults/ 2. Mesa-Frias M, Rossi C, Emond B, et al. Incidence and economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus among adults in the United States: a retrospective analysis using 2 insurance claims databases. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2022;28(7):753-765. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2022.21459 3. Healthcare providers: RSV vaccination for adults 60 years of age and over. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/hcp/older-adults.html 4. Tseng HF, Sy LS, Ackerson B, et al. Severe morbidity and short- and mid- to long-term mortality in older adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infection. J Infect Dis. 2020;222(8):1298-1310. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiaa361 5. Belongia EA, King JP, Kieke BA, et al. Clinical features, severity, and incidence of RSV illness during 12 consecutive seasons in a community cohort of adults ≥60 years old. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2018;5(12):ofy316. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofy316
