RSV is a serious risk for older people

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), frequently linked to infant morbidity and mortality, is becoming a significant health concern for adults, particularly those aged over 60 years and those with underlying chronic conditions. This respiratory infection is a leading cause of severe complications, according to epidemiological data. The Italian official estimate for 2019 was 290,000 cases of acute respiratory infections with RSV in the adult population, with 26,000 hospitalisations and 2,000 hospital deaths. In individuals aged 65 and above, the incidence of hospitalisation is markedly elevated, with the risk increasing in proportion to age and the presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure. At the European level, the impact of the virus is similarly considerable. Annually, the RSV virus is responsible for over three million cases of acute respiratory syndrome and 33,000 deaths among the elderly population. Vaccines against RSV are now available for adults, especially those over 60, those with chronic diseases, and those with weakened immune systems. They prevent severe infection, reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death.