Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, has long been associated with infants and young children, but public health experts are increasingly warning that the virus poses a serious and often underestimated threat to older adults. As RSV continues to circulate during fall, winter, and early spring, its impact on seniors—particularly those ages 60 and older—is drawing renewed attention from clinicians, researchers, and health officials.
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. In younger, otherwise healthy adults, RSV often causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or fatigue. In older adults, however, the virus can quickly become far more dangerous. Age-related changes in the immune system make it harder for the body to fight infections, and many seniors live with chronic conditions that increase the risk of severe illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV leads to an estimated 110,000 to 180,000 hospitalizations among adults ages 50 and older each year in the United States, and approximately 10,000 deaths. Adults ages 75 and older face the highest risk, but serious outcomes are also common among people in their 60s and early 70s who have underlying health conditions. These numbers place RSV in the same range of severity as seasonal influenza for older adults, even though public awareness of RSV remains significantly lower.
For seniors, RSV infection can progress beyond upper respiratory symptoms and lead to lower respiratory tract disease, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The virus can also worsen existing medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Surveillance studies of hospitalized older adults with RSV show that a significant share require intensive care, and some need mechanical ventilation. These complications can result in long recovery periods, loss of independence, and increased risk of long-term health decline.
RSV risk is not evenly distributed across all older adults. Communities of color and people with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung conditions, all of which raise the risk of severe RSV outcomes. Structural barriers—including limited access to primary care, fewer opportunities for preventive services, and lower vaccination rates—can further compound the impact of RSV in these communities. As a result, older Black, Latino, Native American, and rural adults may experience a higher burden of severe illness and hospitalization from RSV, even when infection rates appear similar across populations.
In recent years, prevention options for RSV have expanded. The CDC now recommends RSV vaccination for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe disease. This includes people with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, or those living in long-term care facilities. Health officials emphasize that vaccination decisions should be made through shared discussions between patients and healthcare providers, taking into account individual health risks and living situations.
Vaccination is a critical tool, but it is not the only line of defense. Public health guidance continues to stress the importance of basic prevention measures, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and seeking medical care early when respiratory symptoms worsen. Antiviral treatments for RSV are limited, making early recognition and supportive care especially important for older adults.
Despite its serious impact, RSV has historically received less attention than other respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19. Experts say this lack of awareness can delay diagnosis and treatment, particularly in underserved communities where access to care may already be limited. Increasing public understanding of RSV’s risks for older adults is seen as an essential step toward reducing preventable hospitalizations and deaths.
As the U.S. population continues to age, RSV is expected to remain a significant public health concern. Addressing its impact will require a combination of medical prevention, clear and culturally relevant health education, and equitable access to vaccines and care. For older adults and their families, understanding RSV is not just about avoiding a seasonal illness—it is about protecting health, independence, and quality of life in the years ahead.
