RSV in Adults: Not Just a Childhood Illness

Understanding the Risks and Symptoms for Older Adults

Published October 2024

You may have thought that RSV was just a childhood illness, but it can impact adults — especially those over age 60 — just as hard. The highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is capable of creating serious complications, so it’s important to know preventive measures, symptoms and when to seek medical care.

"RSV isn't new to the medical community, but it's been making headlines more often this season," says Khalilah L. Gates, MD, a pulmonologist at Northwestern Medicine. "With less routine exposure to the virus, people may get a little sicker from RSV for a while as they build immunity."

RSV isn't new, but it's been making headlines more often this season.

— Khalilah L. Gates, MD

What Is RSV?

Understanding RSV is important for adults, especially as they age.

RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways. It's the leading cause of upper respiratory infections in babies and toddlers, but anyone can get it.

For most adults, RSV causes only cold-like symptoms. However, it can be more serious for people over 60, especially those with heart and lung problems or a weakened immune system.

The Impact on Older Adults

The numbers reveal a significant impact of RSV on adults older than 60 in the United States:

"As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making older adults more susceptible to severe disease from RSV or any infection," says Dr. Gates.

Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing RSV symptoms is key to early detection.

Typically, RSV causes mild symptoms for about four to six days after getting infected, sometimes lasting up to two weeks. These can include:

Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Runny nose
Congestion

When RSV Becomes Dangerous

Older adults with RSV are more likely to develop serious conditions like:

You're at higher risk for severe RSV if you're 65 or older and have underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes.

When to Seek Medical Care

While RSV often resolves on its own, you should seek medical attention if you have:

Difficulty breathing
A high fever
Persistent cough
A blue tone on your skin

“If you experience shortness of breath or your symptoms worsen unusually, don't wait to seek care,” says Dr. Gates. "Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes.”

Protect Yourself From RSV

Prevention is key when it comes to RSV. Here are steps you can take to reduce infection.

Get vaccinated: You can get the RSV vaccine at any time, but the ideal time is late summer or early fall before the virus begins to spread. Talk to your care team to see if the vaccine is right for you.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wear a mask in crowded places.
Clean surfaces often: RSV can live on hard surfaces for hours.

Learn more about respiratory viruses.