LOUISVILLE, Ky. — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV can be dangerous and even deadly for some adults.
Monalisa Tailor, a primary care physician with Norton Community Medical Associates, said RSV can cause upper and lower respiratory infections. During the fall and winter, babies and young children may get it and have a hard time fighting it off, which can also happen in some older adults. Those with chronic lung conditions such as asthma may especially be at risk.
The CDC estimates RSV infection puts 60,000-160,000 older adults in the hospital in the U.S. every year, adding an estimated 6,000-10,000 older adults die from RSV infection.
Tailor said RSV tests are readily available for children; however, those tests are not as readily available for adults. She added she recommends those 60 and older get an RSV vaccine, along with the flu and COVID-19 vaccines for all adults.
“If you’re going to be around a lot of young children, let’s say less than 10, I would recommend getting vaccinated for RSV," Tailor said.
In terms of prevention, regular hand-washing and mask-wearing can help.
Where to find adult RSV vaccines