Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can infect adults and cause mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. However, RSV can sometimes lead to more severe respiratory infections, especially in high-risk adults.

Key facts about RSV in adults include:

• RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections.
• Each year in the United States, an estimated 60,000 – 120,000 older adults are hospitalized and 6,000 – 10,000 die from RSV infection.
• Adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, adults with certain other underlying medical conditions, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
• Signs of RSV in adults usually include the typical cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and sometimes fever.
• Adults over the age of 65 or those with health complications are at higher risk for developing more severe RSV.
• RSV can sometimes lead to pneumonia or lung infection in adults.

Prevention measures for RSV in adults include washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, and avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands. There is also an RSV vaccine available for adults aged 60 years and older, and those at high risk for severe RSV infection should talk to their healthcare provider to see if vaccination is right for them.