The prime season for respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is arriving, but many people still don’t understand how widespread the problem really is.
“While many people know that RSV infections can be deadly for infants and young children, they may not realize how dangerous RSV can be for older adults,” said Ann Falsey, MD, professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Falsey and URMC infectious disease experts Angela Branche, MD, Ghinwa Dumyati, MD, Brenda Tesini, MD, and Edward Walsh, MD, answer common questions about RSV symptoms in adults, RSV vaccines, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones this fall and winter.
What are the symptoms of RSV in older adults?
RSV infection can be miserable at any age. It typically starts with a runny or stuffy nose and possibly a fever and can progress to a productive cough, wheezing, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
How long do RSV infections typically last for older adults?
The length of illness can vary, but in one study the average length of illness was 17 days. A lingering, bothersome cough is common.
Is there a treatment for RSV in older adults?
Unlike flu and COVID, there are no antiviral or monoclonal antibody drugs approved to treat RSV infections. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids and using a humidifier and saline nasal drops to ease congestion and coughing. Over-the-counter pain relievers and pain medications can also help with mild symptoms. If you start feeling short of breath, weak, dizzy, or if you’re coughing so badly that you can’t eat or drink properly, seek medical attention.
Once I’m infected with RSV, how long am I contagious?
Unfortunately, there is not much information about how long a person infected with RSV will remain contagious. However, it may be like COVID, which is most contagious during the first five days of illness.
Who is most at-risk for RSV infections or hospitalizations?
People over 75 are more likely to be hospitalized if they get infected with RSV, but younger people with chronic medical conditions, like asthma, COPD, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes, are also at high risk.
A recent URMC study showed that RSV can be particularly dangerous for older adults living in congregate settings, like assisted living facilities or nursing homes. People living in those settings are more likely to encounter RSV and have a much higher risk of hospitalization or death if they get an RSV infection.
How can I protect myself and my loved ones from RSV?
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. Another thing you can do is to stay home if you’re sick. If you or your child is actively sick and sniffling, don’t visit at-risk family members. Postpone your visit or FaceTime instead. Sharing is not caring when it comes to viruses.
How well do the RSV vaccines work?
The RSV vaccines are 75 percent effective at preventing respiratory illness and 87 percent effective at preventing hospitalization in people 60 and older. According to a recent URMC study, all three available RSV vaccines created a much better and longer-lasting immune response compared to natural immunity from an RSV infection.
Can I get an RSV and flu shot at the same time?
Yes, you can get an RSV vaccine at the same time as a flu or COVID vaccines. If you want to spread out the arm pain that typically comes with each of those shots, it’s also fine to get them one at a time.
When should I get an RSV vaccine or booster?
RSV infections start to rise around mid-November in the Rochester and Finger Lakes area. If you are eligible but haven’t had an RSV vaccine yet, doctors recommend that you get vaccinated ideally before November, but you may be vaccinated at any time. If you were vaccinated within the last two years (when RSV vaccines became available), you are likely still protected. Early research suggests the immune response to the RSV vaccines is quite long-lasting, so boosters are not currently recommended.
Are there side effects of RSV vaccines in older adults?
The most common side effects of the RSV vaccines are a sore arm or feeling a bit blah the next day. Low-grade fever may occur, but high fevers are rare. The RSV vaccines have also been associated with an increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition usually caused by acute bacterial or viral infections in which the immune system attacks nerves. The overall risk of developing GBS after vaccination remains very low (about eight extra cases for every million doses). The risk of becoming seriously ill from RSV is much greater, so the odds strongly favor receiving the vaccine if you’re eligible.
Navigating RSV, COVID-19, and Flu
As we barrel towards winter, viral illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are on the rise. Staying informed is essential to keeping you and your family healthy.
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