Those at high risk for severe illness from RSV include1:
Older adults
Adults with chronic lung or heart disease
Adults with weakened immune systems
RSV may exacerbate serious conditions, such as1:
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Congestive heart failure
Older adults with certain comorbidities are at risk for hospitalization2
In 2 geographical areas, over 3 RSV seasons, among adults aged 65 years and older with RSV infection, the risk of hospitalization was increased in those with certain comorbidities compared with those without.2
Incidence rate ratios for hospitalization among adults ≥65 years of age with each comorbidity vs those without2*
Adults aged 60 years and older with congestive heart failure (CHF) were approximately 4x-7.6x more likely to be hospitalized2
*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 (New York City and Rochester, NY) over 3 RSV seasons. The incidence rate ratios presented above are observations from 2 different locations comprised of the surveillance area. For CHF, the range of IRRs is comprised of IRRs from two age groups (60-79 years and ≥80 years). Estimated incidence rates for all comorbid conditions increased with age.2
CAD=coronary artery disease; CI=confidence interval; IRR=incidence rate ratio; RSV=respiratory syncytial virus.
References:
1. Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). RSV in adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/adults/index.html 2. Branche AR, Saiman L, Walsh EE, et al. Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection among hospitalized adults, 2017–2020. Clin Infect Dis. 2022;74(6):1004-1011. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab595
