RSV in Adults: How to Avoid Serious Illness

Updated December 20, 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, contagious respiratory bug that typically causes cold-like symptoms. Adults who get RSV may have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or fatigue. Some people also get a fever.

While most adults with an RSV infection experience only mild symptoms, some people are at risk of getting seriously ill. In those cases, RSV can lead to pneumonia; a lung infection; or the worsening of chronic conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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.