RSV Burden of Disease in Adults - a new threat

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for lower respiratory tract infections across all age groups worldwide. Initial exposure to RSV in infants and young children can lead to severe bronchiolitis, which has the potential to be life-threatening. Among older children and healthy adults, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections caused by RSV are frequent, varying in intensity from asymptomatic infection to symptomatic upper respiratory tract disease. The presence of specific comorbidities (cardiopulmonary conditions, including COPD and CHF, and immunocompromising conditions) increases the likelihood of severe disease in adults (1).

This editorial provides a review of the burden of RSV disease among adults, population groups at increased risk of developing severe RSV disease, the current status of surveillance systems and RSV prevention strategies in adults, including the use of RSV vaccines in adults, recently licensed for use.