RSV adult hospitalization rate 9 times higher than in the 2018-2019 season

Amid national coverage of the RSV crisis in children, public health experts are warning that the virus is also dangerous for grandparents.

Every year, thousands of elderly people die from RSV.

Currently, adult RSV hospitalization rates are approximately 9 times higher than the 2018-2019 season and nearly 2 times higher than the 2021-2022 season at the same time of year , according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Officials say we are seeing the highest adult RSV hospitalization rates in the past 9 years for this time of the season.

Each year, about 60,000 to 120,000 elderly people are hospitalized and 6,000 to 10,000 die from RSV infection, according to the CDC.

People most at risk of serious RSV infection include adults 65 years and older, people with chronic heart or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems.

Additionally, RSV can sometimes lead to worsening of serious conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure.

At-risk adults are urged to take extra precautions like washing their hands frequently, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick, covering their coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

There is no vaccine for RSV, but scientists continue to work hard to develop one.

Rate of hospitalization for RSV in adults (18 years and older):