CDC: RSV is more severe than COVID, flu in older adults

Although respiratory syncytial virus hospitalizations were less common last year than COVID-19 and flu in older adults, RSV disease was more severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The prospective, multicenter analysis consisted of adults ages 60 and older who were hospitalized in 20 U.S. states during 2022-2023 and received testing for RSV, COVID-19 and flu. The report notes clinicians may be less aware of RSV as a serious respiratory disease in older adults because it is less common. The CDC’s recent approval of RSV vaccines for older adults is anticipated to lower the incidence of RSV. (CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 10/6/23)