New Study Finds Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as Severe as Influenza in Older Adults

A new study conducted in England and published in the Journal of Infection has found that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of hospitalization in older adults, with clinical outcomes comparable to those seen in influenza. This research highlights the significant, and often underestimated, burden of RSV in older adults, a population particularly vulnerable to severe acute respiratory infections (ARIs).

The HARISS Study: A Deeper Look at RSV

The Hospital-based ARI Sentinel Surveillance (HARISS) study, conducted during the winter of 2023-2024, included more than 2,700 adults aged 65 and older who were hospitalized with ARI symptoms. Researchers tested patients for RSV, influenza A and B, and COVID-19. They found that 720 adults tested positive for RSV, with peak hospitalizations in December 2023.

Key findings from the study include:

Comparable Outcomes: The study showed that symptoms and clinical outcomes, including mortality, were similar between patients with RSV, influenza, and those who tested negative for all three viruses. The 30-day mortality rate was 10.6% for RSV-ARI and 8.7% for influenza-ARI.
High Comorbidity: A significant majority of patients with RSV-ARI (81%) had at least one comorbidity, with 26% being immunosuppressed. The most common reason for admission was the exacerbation of chronic conditions such as lung or heart disease.
Underestimated Burden: The study confirmed that due to less frequent testing, the true impact of RSV in older adults is likely underestimated. Unlike influenza, RSV doesn’t have a characteristic symptom profile, making routine testing in hospitals even more crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate care.Implications for Public Health
While the study’s findings predate the widespread availability of RSV vaccines, they underscore the urgent need for consistent and routine testing for RSV in hospital settings. Acknowledging RSV’s severity and its similarity to influenza in older adults can help clinicians better manage patients and implement preventive measures.
This research reinforces the importance of vaccination as a key strategy to protect vulnerable populations. As Dr. Kennedy Ferruggia, the author, points out, addressing the RSV burden is critical to reducing hospitalizations and mortality in older adults.