Preventing RSV In Older Adults

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory infection known for affecting infants and young children, especially in the winter months. But RSV also can pose a significant risk to seniors and to older adults with compromised immune systems, heart disease or lung disease.

Learn about the risk of RSV in older adults, how to prevent RSV infections and how to take care of your respiratory health in the winter months.

The Risk Of RSV In Older Adults

RSV infections are typically mild in healthy adults, causing symptoms similar to the common cold. However, seniors over the age of 65, particularly those with preexisting health conditions, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from RSV.

"Unlike the common cold, which typically resolves on its own, RSV can cause very severe respiratory infections leading to hospitalization and even death," said Erica Kaufman West, infectious disease specialist at Franciscan Health. "Symptoms of RSV include fevers, chills, and cough, but unlike the common cold, it can progress into pneumonia. In adults, there is no treatment for RSV. So prevention is key. "

Adults at risk for severe RSV infection include:

• Older adults
• Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, sickle cell disease and muscular dystrophy
• Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Adults who are severely obese, meaning a body mass index of 40 or above
• Adults who are moderately or severely immune compromised

Currently, the CDC recommends only a single dose of RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 50–74 with increased risk of severe RSV disease. 

Complications Of RSV In Seniors

Complications of an RSV infection in seniors can include:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Exacerbation of existing chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
• Hospitalization - The CDC estimates that 60,000 to 160,000 U.S. seniors are hospitalized due to an RSV infection each year.
• Death - Between 6,000 and 10,000 U.S. seniors die from RSV infection each year.

One reason seniors are more vulnerable to RSV is due to age-related changes in the immune system that weaken the body's ability to fight off infections effectively and leave seniors more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like RSV. Additionally, diminished lung function and decreased respiratory muscle strength can make it harder for older adults to recover from respiratory infections.

RSV Vaccines For Seniors

The first RSV vaccines for adults ages 50 and older are now available. In vaccination guidance updated this summer, U.S. health officials now recommend that all Americans aged 75 and older get an RSV vaccine.

However, adults ages 50 to 74 should only seek the RSV vaccine if they have chronic medical conditions such as lung or heart disease, or if they live in nursing homes, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised.

The new guidelines only apply to adults who did not get an RSV vaccine last year, the CDC noted, because people do not need to get a shot every RSV season. The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall, before RSV starts spreading through the country, the agency added.

“The good news is the RSV vaccine has been recently approved by the FDA after two major studies,” said Ibraheem Yousef, MD, a pulmonology and critical care physician with Franciscan Physician Network Munster Medical Center. “The vaccine is a single shot done during the fall time. It's similar to the flu vaccine, and it can be co-administered with the flu vaccine.”

RSV vaccines also are approved by the CDC for pregnant women and infants under 8 months of age.

HealthDay News contributed information to this article.

The FDA-approved RSV vaccine is 86% effective in protecting older adults against RSV infections severe enough to cause three or more symptoms, according to findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“I encourage my patients and patients with high risks to discuss with their physicians their eligibility and the safety of the vaccine,” Dr. Yousef said.

Preventing The Spread Of RSV Infections In Seniors

Preventing RSV infections in seniors requires a combination of personal measures and community efforts. Here are tips to slow the spread of RSV and other viruses:

Wash Your Hands

Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can significantly reduce the risk of infection transmission. Be sure to practice proper hand hygiene, especially after being in public places.

Avoid People Who Are Sick

Seniors should try to avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially during the flu and RSV season, which typically occurs in the fall and winter months.

Cover Your Cough

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. This helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that can contain the virus.

Clean And Disinfect

Regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls, can help reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.

Stay Hydrated and Rested

Maintaining good overall health through proper hydration, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest can support the immune system's ability to defend against infections. Also, seniors should discuss annual flu vaccinations and the pneumococcal vaccine with their healthcare provider. These vaccines can help prevent secondary infections that can complicate an RSV infection.

By understanding the risk factors associated with RSV and taking preventive measures, older adults can take proactive steps to protect their respiratory health. A combination of personal hygiene practices, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and maintaining overall health can significantly reduce the risk of RSV infections in seniors.

HealthDay News contributed information to this article.