Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that may lead to serious complications in certain groups. Since 2023, vaccines are now available and are highly recommended, especially for older adults.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes mild to severe respiratory infections. It’s primarily known for causing symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose and cough.

Most children and adults recover within 1 to 2 weeks, but certain groups are considered to be at a higher risk for severe illness. RSV is also the most common cause of lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

RSV garnered a lot more attention during the 2022–2023 flu season, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an unusual increase in both infections and hospitalizations from the virus.

While often associated with infants and young children, RSV can impact adults, too. Older adults, as well as those with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems, are especially vulnerable to complications from this virus.

In fact, the CDC estimates that 100,000 to 150,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV infections every year.

In response to such risks, new RSV vaccines have been developed and are now on the market as of 2023. Here’s what you need to know about the RSV vaccines and other types of immunization.

Currently there are three RSV vaccines available:

Arexvy and Abrysio are protein-based vaccines that contain protein F, a surface protein from the RSV virus. The protein stimulates your body’s immune system.

The other vaccine, mResvia, is an mRNA-based vaccine that sends signals to your cells to produce the same protein F that causes the immune reaction that fights against RSV.

These vaccines are recommended and available for adults aged 60-74 with a risk of contracting RSV, as well as all adults 75 and older. One dose of any of these three vaccines will complete your vaccination.

The monoclonal antibodies palivizumab (Synagis) and nirsevimab (Beyfortus), are recommended for infants who are too young for the vaccines. younger than 8 months of age.

A monoclonal antibody works by attaching itself to the protein F in the RSV virus and disabling it.

Synagis is recommended for infants who are:

  • born prematurely (at or before 35 weeks) and who are 6 months old or younger at the beginning of RSV season
  • diagnosed with a chronic lung condition called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) that needed medical treatment within the last 6 months and who are 24 months old or younger at the beginning of RSV season
  • born with certain types of heart disease and who are 24 months old or younger at the beginning of RSV season

Beyfortus is given at varying ages, depending on the risk, and can be given up to 2 years of age. It’s recommended for:

  • babies younger than 1 year who were born during or are entering their first RSV season (fall to spring)
  • children up to age 24 months who have a high risk of serious illness from RSV through their second RSV season due to a weakened immune system or conditions including long term heart, lung, or neurological problems

Monoclonal antibodies are not technically vaccines. Vaccines stimulate the body to produce its own antibodies, while nirsevimab is an antibody introduced directly to the body, in a process called passive immunity. These medications are only effective for a short time.

RSV is a known cause of severe infections and possible hospitalization in older adults. If you’re age 75 or older, the CDC strongly recommends you obtain a single dose of any of the three FDA-licensed RSV vaccines.

You should also consider getting an RSV vaccine if you are ages 60 to 74 and have an underlying medical condition that increases your risk for severe disease from RSV infection.

These include:

  • lung diseases, such as asthma or COPD
  • heart or circulatory conditions, including congestive heart failure
  • cancer
  • weakened immune system due to age, autoimmune diseases, HIV or AIDS, or malnutrition
  • functional disabilities
  • recent surgeries, such as a lung transplant

If you are pregnant, you should be vaccinated between your 32nd and 36th week to protect your baby, if this interval occurs between September and January. This will stimulate your body to produce antibodies that transfer to your child to protect them during peak RSV season.

If this period of your pregnancy is during a different time of year, the CDC recommends giving your infant nirsevimab before they are 8 months old.

You can access the RSV vaccine where you normally receive other vaccinations. This includes your primary care physician, pharmacy, or local clinic.

In the meantime, your doctor will likely recommend that you stay on top of other items on your vaccination schedule to help prevent other viral infections. Some of these vaccines may include:

There’s no specific medication available to treat RSV. As with a common cold, rest and plenty of fluids are the treatments as your body recovers from this infection.

Ribavirin is an antiviral medication that is used for many types of infection. It is often used off-label for particularly severe cases of RSV.

However, if you develop another lower respiratory infection, such as bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics may be prescribed. Severe illness from RSV may be treated at a hospital with supplemental oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids.

Now that the RSV vaccine is available, it’s important to make sure you are vaccinated if you are a senior or a pregnant person.

If you have a newborn or infant child, talk to your child’s doctor about immunizing them against RSV with one of the monoclonal antibody tratments available.

In the meantime, there are other steps you can take to help prevent RSV infection in yourself and your loved ones. You can:

  • Wash your hands: Do so with lukewarm water and soap for 20 seconds at a time often, especially after touching common surfaces or before eating. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces: Focus on common surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones, and light switches, as well as kitchen counters, sinks, and toilets.
  • Stay home when sick: This helps prevent the spread of the virus while also allowing yourself time to recover. Also, try to avoid others who are sick if you can.

If you have specific concerns about RSV or think you may have an RSV infection, talk with a healthcare professional regarding next steps. They can also advise you when it’s best to seek emergency medical care.