Who's at risk for severe RSV?
This includes:
- Adults age 60 and older
- People with chronic heart or lung disease
- People with weakened immune systems or certain other medical conditions
- People living in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, where RSV can spread easily
Staying safe during RSV season
RSV spreads more quickly during fall and winter (November to May) than in the warmer seasons. You can reduce your risk of getting or giving RSV by following the same simple practices that reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the flu. These include regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces (such as mobile devices and doorknobs), washing your hands often, and staying away from people who are sick.
If you have a high risk of serious illness, you can add an extra layer of protection by getting vaccinated against RSV. If you're pregnant, you can help protect your newborn against RSV by getting the vaccine, which is given between 32 and 36 weeks.
We recommend contacting your local pharmacy to find out whether you're eligible for the shot. If you’re pregnant during RSV season, you can also get the vaccine at UCSF during the appropriate window of time. Please contact your prenatal care provider for more information.
