RSV and Heart Health

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, often called RSV, is a common respiratory virus. Nearly all children will contract RSV by the time they’re 2. It is contagious and affects about 64 million people every year.  

For most people, RSV involves mild, cold-like symptoms that are gone in a week or two. But for others, especially in high-risk groups such as infants and older adults, RSV can be serious and even lead to a hospital stay. 

More severe cases of RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It can also worsen chronic health issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure. Serious cases of RSV can also affect your heart health. The good news for older adults is that an RSV vaccine was approved in 2023.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

If you have RSV, you’ll probably show symptoms within four to six days of getting infected. Symptoms can include:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion and sore throat
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Decrease in appetite
• Fever
• Wheezing

How is RSV diagnosed?

RSV is usually a seasonal illness that starts in the fall and peaks in winter.

It can be difficult to feel the difference between RSV and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or a cold.

If you’re an older adult with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or related risk factors, and you have respiratory symptoms, it’s important to visit your health care professional because you might have RSV. They can help you to:

• Prevent the spread
• Manage your condition
• Watch for worsening CVD symptoms that could require a hospital stay

Are you at risk of severe RSV?

If you’re an older adult or an adult with chronic medical conditions, you may face an increased risk of severe RSV and cardiovascular problems. Some who face the highest risk of RSV include:

• All adults 75 and older
• Adults 50-74 with certain risk factors
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults who live in nursing homes
• Adults with chronic medical conditions such as:
  • Lung disease
  • Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and coronary artery disease
  • Kidney disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Neurologic conditions

How is RSV treated?

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two, and antiviral medication isn’t usually recommended. There are some things you can do to relieve symptoms.

Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Stay on top of fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Talk to your health care professional if your symptoms become severe. RSV can cause severe illness in some people. 

Which heart conditions can be worsened by RSV?

About 150,000 U.S. adults 60 and older are hospitalized every year for more serious cases of RSV. If you have a heart condition and RSV symptoms, it’s important to contact your health care professional for advice.

RSV has been linked to:

• Heart muscle damage
• Ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the heart)
• Increased risk of atrial fibrillation (an irregular, fast heartbeat)
• Worsening arrhythmias and heart failure, both in patients with and without known diagnoses of these conditions
• Higher risk of heart attack or stroke immediately after contracting RSV. The highest risk is within three days of infection, but it remains heightened for up to 90 days.
• Coronary artery disease

How is RSV spread?

RSV can spread when:

• Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze get into your eyes, nose or mouth
• A person with RSV coughs or sneezes near you
• Direct contact is made with the virus
• You touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your face before washing your hands

How can I avoid RSV?

Here are some simple steps you can take to stay healthy and avoid RSV:

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands.
• Stay away from sick people. Don’t kiss or share cups or utensils with friends or family if they have cold-like symptoms.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your shirt sleeve. Then, toss your tissue in the trash.
• Clean. Make a mental note to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people often touch, including toys, doorknobs and mobile devices.
• Feeling sick? Stay home. You don’t want others to catch the illness. Protect those around you by avoiding work, school and public areas.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

A vaccine is now available for older adults. The CDC recommends the single-dose RSV vaccine for:

• All adults ages 75 and older
• Adults 60-74 at increased risk of severe RSV, including those who:
  • Have chronic heart or lung disease
  • Have certain other chronic medical conditions
  • Live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

Vaccines for pregnant people or monoclonal antibody products are also available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV. 

The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning older adults do not need to get a dose every RSV season. If you got your RSV vaccine last year, you won’t need another one this year.

The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall — just before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.   

If you have questions about the RSV vaccine and if it’s right for you, talk to your health care professional.