CERTAIN COMORBIDITIES CAN PUT PATIENTS AT RISK FOR SEVERE RSV1

Adults with certain underlying conditions are at an increased risk of severe infections from RSV1

 

Those at high risk for severe illness from RSV include1:

Older adults

Adults with chronic lung or heart disease

Adults with weakened immune systems

In addition to severe infections, RSV can also pose an increased risk of hospitalization for adults with certain underlying conditions1,2

Incidence rate ratios for hospitalization among adults with a comorbidity vs those without
COPD higher estimated incidence rates
CAD higher estimated incidence rates
Asthma higher estimated incidence rates
Diabetes higher estimated incidence rates
CHF more likely to be hospitalized
  • *

    A prospective, population-based, surveillance study was conducted to estimate the incidence of RSV hospitalization among adults aged ≥18 years overall and those with specific comorbidities. Active and passive surveillance identified 1099 adults hospitalized with RSV in 2 geographical areas (Rochester, NY, and New York City, NY) over 3 RSV seasons (2017-2020). Among the 1039 patients for which detailed demographic data were available, the median age was 69 years; 51% of patients reported a chronic pulmonary condition, and 49% a chronic cardiac condition. The estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) presented are the lower of the two IRRs observed for each age group, 50-64 years and ≥65 years, from the 2 surveillance areas, with the exception of CHF. The IRRs for CHF included age groups: 40-59 years, 60-79 years, and ≥80 years. Estimated incidence rates for all comorbid conditions increased with increasing age.2

  • †

    The IRRs for asthma in patients in the Rochester surveillance area were not statistically significant.2

Dive deeper into pulmonary complications and RSV

SEE PULMONARY CONDITIONS >

CAD=coronary artery disease; CHF=congestive heart failure; COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; RSV=respiratory syncytial virus.

References

  1. Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). RSV in adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 11, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/adults/

  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