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, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems. Data are limited in assessing the risk of severe outcomes due to RSV infection in adults 60-64 years of age.3,4
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. RSV in older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed August 22, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html 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. 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 4. 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
