Dr. Emily Kryger, owner of PharmRecs LLC and a board certified geriatric pharmacist, discusses the impact that respiratory diseases have had on the population she cares for — and how vaccines have helped protect against severe illness.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. In many people, it causes cold-like symptoms, including cough, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, and headache. However, for adults ages 50 and older, RSV can be far more serious. It can cause more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis (an infection of the lungs), congestive heart failure, or worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms. Adults who get very sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized — and severe RSV can be life threatening.

Most people think of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a childhood illness, but the same virus can seriously affect adults, too. In fact, RSV rivals the flu in both the severity of illness and cost to older adults. Adults ages 75 and older are at the highest risk of severe RSV illness. Adults ages 50-74 can also be vulnerable, especially if they have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. These factors can increase the likelihood of severe RSV illness or hospitalization.

Most private and public health insurance plans cover ACIP-recommended vaccines, including the RSV vaccine, at no cost to you. This coverage includes both age-based and risk-based RSV recommendations for older adults.

Respiratory season is here, and depending on your age and health status, it may be recommended for you to get vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal infection. The below FAQ can serve as a starting place as you make your vaccine appointments and take steps to stay healthy.

For older adults, RSV can be very serious and causes hospitalizations and death each year. Vaccines are available to help protect against RSV and the CDC recommends vaccination for people who are at increased risk for severe RSV.

50+? You are at increased risk from COVID-19 this summer. Getting the vaccine now could help stop sickness from spoiling your summer plans.

Respiratory viruses like flu or RSV tend to spread more in the fall and winter when colder weather and indoor gatherings make transmission easier. But COVID-19 works differently. While fall and winter surges are common, increases in cases have also happened in the spring and summer.

Summer is packed with activities we love. Don’t let COVID-19 interrupt your plans. Vaccination is a simple and effective way to protect yourself from severe respiratory illness, helping you to continue doing the things you love.

COVID-19 continues to pose a serious health threat, especially for older adults who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 and be hospitalized. The good news is adults 65 years of age and older can reduce their risk of severe illness by receiving recommended vaccinations, including another dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.