RSV – A Hidden Threat to Older Adults

As we transition into an aging society, it's essential to prepare older adults for age-related health challenges. One commonly overlooked disease is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which can lead to severe complications or even death. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV¹.
 

What is RSV?

RSV is a virus that affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It is an airborne infection transmitted via respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing, and through contact with nasal or oral secretions or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms often resemble those of the common cold — coughing, fever, and runny nose. However, in some patients, especially older adults, infection in the lower respiratory tract may lead to more severe symptoms such as high fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or low blood oxygen levels¹.
 

Risks of RSV Infection

Common complications of RSV infection include pneumonia (seen in up to 78% of cases) and heart failure (seen in around 17%² of cases).
 

Who is at Risk?

Older adults, especially those with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease — or those with weakened immune systems — are at high risk of severe RSV infection³.
 

Key Facts about RSV in Thailand and Globally

In Thailand, the mortality rate among children with RSV is around 0.12%⁴. The mortality rate in adults and the elderly can be as high as 15.9%⁵.
Globally, approximately 470,000 older adults are hospitalized⁶ each year due to RSV infection.
 

Treatment of RSV Infection

There is currently no specific treatment for RSV. Most cases are managed with supportive care such as medications to relieve cough or fever, bronchodilators, supplemental oxygen if needed, or antibiotics in case of secondary bacterial infections.
 

How to Prevent RSV Infection

RSV can be prevented or have its severity reduced through vaccination. Other preventive measures include:
• Frequent handwashing
• Wearing face masks
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet
 

RSV Vaccination for Older Adults

RSV vaccination involves a single intramuscular injection. It is recommended for adults aged 75 and older; although high-risk adults such as those with chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease are recommended to receive the vaccine earlier — from age 60-onwards.
 

Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Common side effects after RSV vaccination are mild and include swelling, redness, muscle aches, or low-grade fever at the injection site. These symptoms usually resolve within 2–3 days^7,8.
Now that we better understand RSV and the risks it poses — especially for older adults — it’s clear that prevention is key. Along with hygiene practices like handwashing, wearing masks, regular exercise, and adequate rest, one of the most important steps we can take is vaccination.
 
Reference :
1. Kaler, J. (2023). Cureus, 15(3), e36342.
2. Chuaychoo, B. (2021) IJID. 110, 237–246.
3. CDC. (2024, October 3). Clinical overview of RSV. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV).
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html. Accessed 20 December 2024
4. Chuaychoo, B. (2019) J. Clin. Virol. 117, 103–108.
5. Naorat, S. (2013). J Infect Dis, 208 Suppl 3, S238–S245.
6. Savic, M. (2023). Influenza and other respiratory viruses, 17(1), e13031.
7. เอกสารกำกับยา วัคซีนป้องกันโรคติดเชื้อเรสไพราทอรี่ ซินไซเตียล ไวรัส (RSV) ชนิด PreF3 OA ชนิดที่มีสาร
เสริมกระตุ้นภูมิคุ้มกัน
8. เอกสารกำกับยา วัคซีนป้องกันโรคติดเชื้อเรสไพราทอรี่ ซินไซเตียล ไวรัส (RSV) ชนิด PreF3 โปรตีน
 
By New Life Healthy Aging Clinic and Vaccination Center