Respiratory syncytial virus pulmonary infections in adults - disease burden and prevention.

Purpose of review: We highlight the evolving understanding of the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults and recent data on the three new vaccines.

Recent findings: As well as a greater recognition of the amount of RSV infection in adults, and especially over 60 years of age, there has been a significant amount of study detailing the postacute burden including excess cardiovascular disease and loss of physical and cognitive functioning. Three new RSV vaccines now have published data for two seasons, and while direct comparison is not possible due to differences in the timing, methodology and populations studies, all show good efficacy with no serious side effects of concern.

Summary: RSV causes a substantial amount of morbidity and mortality in older adults with both acute and longer term impacts. With effective vaccines now available clinicians should be advocating with their patients to prevent RSV infection.