Older adults, including those with certain underlying conditions,are at a greater risk of severe infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV could catch anyone by surprise—especially if you have certain underlying conditions.
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but certain underlying conditions put older adults at greater risk for severe infection.
Furthermore, RSV can have a negative impact on certain existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases that you may have—such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or congestive heart failure (CHF).
How negative? RSV infection can cause the severity of symptoms relating to your condition to get worse and even lead to hospitalization.
RSV infections can increase the risk of hospitalization for older adults with:
Diabetes
COPD or Asthma
CHF
RSV can pose an increased risk of hospitalization for older adults with certain underlying conditions*
DIABETES
Approximately
2.4x or 6.4x
more likely to be hospitalized
(≥65 years)
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD)
Approximately
3.8x or 6.5x
more likely to be hospitalized
(≥65 years)
COPD
Approximately
3.5x or 13.4x
more likely to be hospitalized
(≥65 years)
ASTHMA†
Approximately
2.3x or 2.5x
more likely to be hospitalized
(≥65 years)
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Approximately
4x-7.6x
more likely to be hospitalized
(≥60 years)
*A prospective, population-based, surveillance study was conducted to estimate the incidence of RSV hospitalization among adults ≥18 years overall and those with specific comorbidities. Active and passive surveillance identified 1099 adults hospitalized with RSV in 2 geographical areas (Rochester and New York City) over 3 RSV seasons. The incidence rate ratios presented above are not a range, but rather observations from 2 different locations comprised of the surveillance area. Estimated incidence rates for all comorbid conditions increased with age.
†Incidence rate ratio in Rochester for hospitalizations related to asthma was not considered to be statistically significant.
True or false: If you're an older adult with diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about RSV.
True! If you're an older adult with diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about RSV.
RSV infection can be serious. Vaccination is available for older adults. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about RSV vaccination.
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