The economic and clinical impact of RSV in older adults

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant health risk to individuals aged 60 years and older, often leading to severe acute respiratory infections (ARIs) that result in hospitalizations and substantial health care expenditures. New findings published in Diseases highlight that RSV infection imposes higher direct costs compared to other ARIs among older adults, underscoring the need for enhanced preventive measures, including vaccination programs. The burden of RSV in older adults RSV accounts for an estimated 470,000 hospitalizations and 33,000 deaths annually in industrialized nations, particularly affecting elderly individuals with chronic conditions. Severe RSV infection can extend to the lower respiratory tract, resulting in pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Symptoms such as rapid or difficult breathing, fever, severe cough, wheezing, and cyanosis exacerbate complications, leading to prolonged hospital stays and intensive care requirements. Despite its considerable clinical and economic impact, much of the existing research on RSV has centered on pediatric populations or specific high-risk groups,...