RSV in Adults

What to know

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be dangerous for older adults and adults who have certain medical conditions, are elderly or frail, or live in a nursing home.
• CDC recommends everyone ages 75 and older get an RSV vaccine.
• CDC recommends adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness get an RSV vaccine.
• If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.

Overview

RSV can be dangerous for certain adults. Each year, an estimated 110,000–180,000 adults ages 50 and older in the United States are hospitalized due to RSV. In general, the risk of severe RSV illness rises with increasing age and if you have certain risk factors.

**Risk factors for severe RSV **illness

Adults at highest risk for severe RSV illness include:

• Adults ages 75 and older
• Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions
• Adults living in nursing homes

For the complete list of medical conditions and risk factors for severe RSV disease, see RSV Clinical Overview.

Spotlight

CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance provides actions you can take to protect yourself and others from health risks caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses.

Severe RSV illness

When adults get RSV, they typically have mild cold-like symptoms, but some may develop pneumonia (an infection in the lungs). Adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized. Severe RSV illness can be fatal for some adults.

RSV can sometimes also lead to worsening of other serious conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe
• Heart failure – when the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen through the body

When to seek emergency care‎

Call your healthcare provider if you have difficulty breathing, have trouble eating or drinking, feel chest pain or pressure, experience sudden dizziness or confusion, or experience worsening of symptoms.

RSV vaccine for adults

CDC recommends an RSV vaccine if you are ages 75 or older or if you are ages 50–74 and are at increased risk for severe RSV illness.

Vaccines for Adults

Information on RSV vaccines to protect adults ages 50 and older against severe RSV illness.

RSV in Adults PDF Flyer

RSV in Adults: Are You at Risk?

Information about RSV and vaccines for adults

Jan. 8, 2026 Download

Download

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