RSV in Adults

The Facts

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection causes infections of the lungs and airways particularly in infants, young children and older adults. Like other respiratory viruses, infections tend to follow a seasonal pattern. In Canada, you're more likely to be infected between fall and early spring.

RSV can affect people of all ages but tends to cause more severe illness in older adults and those with conditions that suppress the immune system, including those affecting the heart and lungs. Although testing for RSV is usually only done in hospitals, recent data suggests that there are around 50,000 cases of RSV in Canada every year, with over 20% of them occurring in older adults.

The Causes

RSV is caused by a virus. It can spread through the air in respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes nearby. It can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth after close contact with someone who is infected. The virus can also survive for several hours on hard surfaces or hands, making it possible to catch RSV by touching contaminated surfaces or shaking hands with someone who has the virus.

Symptoms And Complications

RSV symptoms are similar to other respiratory viruses, such as the common cold or flu, and can range from mild to severe. While it's possible to be infected without any symptoms, most adults can expect to experience symptoms including:

fatigue
fever
headache
nasal congestion
sneezing
sore throat

In more serious cases, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear in both healthy adults and those with existing medical conditions. If the infection worsens, it may lead to complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or cardiovascular issues like heart failure, arrhythmias, chest pain, or heart attacks.

Depending on the situation, RSV can result in hospitalization, intensive care unit admission or mortality, especially in older adults or immunocompromised individuals.

Making A Diagnosis

As RSV is difficult to distinguish from other viruses, a diagnosis is usually made based on your symptoms and the time of the year, without the need for lab testing. However, depending on the situation, your doctor may choose to confirm the diagnosis with a swab taken from the back of the nose and throat.

Treatment And Prevention

Since the condition is caused by a virus, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to keep them comfortable while the body naturally recovers, like treating a common cold with rest and fluids. Most cases of RSV tend to resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage a fever. In some cases, inhalers may be prescribed to help with coughing and wheezing.

Two vaccines are available in Canada to help prevent RSV in older adults. RSV immunization is recommended for those at increased risk of severe RSV disease, including residents of nursing homes.

ABRYSVO and AREXVY are vaccines both approved for adults over the age of 60. However, AREXVY may also be used for adults 50 through 59 who are at increased risk. ABRYSVO may also be given to those in adults in later stages of pregnancy to help protect infants after they're born.

These vaccines are generally safe and well-tolerated, causing mild side effects like sore arm, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.

To reduce RSV risk, practice good hygiene, including:

Washing your hands regularly
Trying not to touch your face
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow, instead of into your hand
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces