(StatePoint) Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. While most people develop mild symptoms, for some, including older adults, it can develop into severe illness.
Each year in the United States, up to 180,000 older adults are hospitalized due to RSV. Age, underlying medical conditions and other factors increase the risk of developing severe and even life-threatening illness. That’s why the American Lung Association is launching an educational public health initiative to increase awareness of the virus, the importance of vaccination, and additional prevention methods to help reduce its spread. As part of the campaign, they are answering some commonly asked questions about RSV:
How does RSV spread? Like many other respiratory viruses, RSV spreads easily from person to person, with seasonality beginning during the fall and peaking in winter months. The virus spreads through close contact with infected individuals from coughing and sneezing, direct contact with an infected individual, and by touching objects that have the virus on them.
Who is most at risk for developing complications? Severe complications from RSV include pneumonia, and the worsening of existing long-term health conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure. These complications can lead to a decreased quality of life due to long-lasting symptoms, a diminished ability to carry out daily activities, and a loss of independence.
Among adults, those at increased risk include people ages 75 and older, adults with chronic lung or heart disease such as asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease or congestive heart failure, adults with weakened immune systems, and those living in nursing homes.
How can people protect themselves? As of February 2026, only 43% of adults 75 and older and 33% of adults 50-74 with a condition that increases their risk for RSV reported having ever received an RSV vaccine, leaving many eligible adults without vaccination protection. The Lung Association encourages people to speak with their healthcare provider about staying up to date on all respiratory vaccinations to protect their health. RSV, flu and COVID vaccines can be received in the same visit.
Who is eligible for RSV vaccination? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older and for adults ages 50 through 74 who are at high risk of developing severe RSV disease. The best time to get vaccinated is in the late summer or early fall, before the virus spreads widely. However, people can be vaccinated at any time. RSV vaccination is not recommended annually. For adults who have already received an RSV vaccine, no additional doses are needed at this time.
What other measures can people take to prevent RSV transmission? In addition to vaccination, the following healthy habits can help reduce the spread of RSV and other respiratory infections: washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, staying home when sick, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, improving indoor air quality and wearing a mask when sick or around others who are ill.
For more information about RSV prevention and vaccination, visit Lung.org/rsv.
RSV is not only common, it can be dangerous. Fortunately, tools are available to protect those at higher risk for serious illness this fall, winter, and beyond.
This campaign is supported by educational grants from GSK and Moderna.
