Preventing thousands of annual cases ofrespiratory syncytial virus(RSV) just got easier.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever RSV vaccine, called Arexvy, for adults age 60 and older, in May. On its heels came another vaccine for adults 60+, called Abrysvo. Summer ushered in the approval of immunizations to protect infants as well: Abrysvo for pregnant people and Beyfortus for infants.
Their approval represents decades of research. Newer technologies in vaccine development, including the identification of suitable viral protein targets, have allowed these vaccines to come to fruition at the same time.
RSV causes upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is a leading cause of hospitalization among U.S. infants, and a major contributor to illness and death among older adults. While precautions during the COVID pandemic meant less transmission of RSV, recent data suggests a return to prepandemic RSV patterns. In addition, as COVID infections continue to fluctuate, overlap with seasonal influenza and RSV means there’s a a risk of illnesses overwhelming medical resources.
Here’s what you need to know about RSV, and why effective prevention matters.
—Reza Samad, MD, pulmonologist and Verywell Health Medical Expert Board member
How Much Do You Know About RSV?
Here’s Where RSV Is Starting to Rise in the U.S., According to the CDCRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms in Adults and KidsWhat Causes RSV in Adults and Children?How RSV Is DiagnosedHow RSV Is TreatedHow to Prevent RSV in Adults and Children
Here’s Where RSV Is Starting to Rise in the U.S., According to the CDC
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms in Adults and Kids
What Causes RSV in Adults and Children?
How RSV Is Diagnosed
How RSV Is Treated
How to Prevent RSV in Adults and Children
What to Know About RSV Shots
A New Vaccine Could Save the Lives of Over 6,000 Older Adults Each YearFDA Greenlights a Second RSV Vaccine for Older Adults2 New Shots Will Protect Infants from RSV this FallWhat Are the Side Effects of the New RSV Vaccines?Half of Americans Who Need an RSV Vaccine Have Never Heard of It, Survey Finds
A New Vaccine Could Save the Lives of Over 6,000 Older Adults Each Year
FDA Greenlights a Second RSV Vaccine for Older Adults
2 New Shots Will Protect Infants from RSV this Fall
What Are the Side Effects of the New RSV Vaccines?
Half of Americans Who Need an RSV Vaccine Have Never Heard of It, Survey Finds
Frequently Asked Questions
Telling RSV apart from the flu, COVID, or a cold is difficult because symptoms overlap. In addition, simultaneous infections can occur. While an at-home test for RSV, COVID, and the flu does exist, at-home tests are much more common for COVID. A diagnostic test from a healthcare provider is the best way to tell these illnesses apart.Learn MoreFDA: You Can Now Test for COVID, Flu, and RSV at Home
Telling RSV apart from the flu, COVID, or a cold is difficult because symptoms overlap. In addition, simultaneous infections can occur. While an at-home test for RSV, COVID, and the flu does exist, at-home tests are much more common for COVID. A diagnostic test from a healthcare provider is the best way to tell these illnesses apart.
Learn MoreFDA: You Can Now Test for COVID, Flu, and RSV at Home
While not technically a vaccine, Beyfortus is an injectable antibody treatment approved for the prevention of lower respiratory tract infection from RSV in infants and children. It’s recommended for all infants younger than 8 months before their first RSV season, and those between 8 and 20 months at risk for severe RSV disease. A similar antibody treatment injection, called Synagis, has been available for infants at especially high-risk for RSV since 1998.
You can get an RSV vaccine from your physician or local retail pharmacy.
Learn MoreHow to Prevent RSV
Arexvy and Abryso have not been compared in head-to-head trials, but both are considered effective and well-tolerated. Speak to your physician if you have concerns about an allergy to any vaccine components.Learn MoreWhat Are the Side Effects of the New RSV Vaccines?
Arexvy and Abryso have not been compared in head-to-head trials, but both are considered effective and well-tolerated. Speak to your physician if you have concerns about an allergy to any vaccine components.
Learn MoreWhat Are the Side Effects of the New RSV Vaccines?
Information on RSV vaccine administration with other vaccines is limited, but is generally considered safe. Getting different vaccines at the same time or in the same arm may increase local injection site pain or swelling, or systemic symptoms like fatigue or body aches. If interested, you should discuss getting the vaccines at the same time with your physician. If there are any concerns, it is OK to stagger your vaccinations.Learn MoreFall Vaccine Planning Guide
Information on RSV vaccine administration with other vaccines is limited, but is generally considered safe. Getting different vaccines at the same time or in the same arm may increase local injection site pain or swelling, or systemic symptoms like fatigue or body aches. If interested, you should discuss getting the vaccines at the same time with your physician. If there are any concerns, it is OK to stagger your vaccinations.
Learn MoreFall Vaccine Planning Guide
Who Is Considered High-Risk?
What Older Adults Should Know About RSVWhile most healthy adults with RSV infection usually can be treated at home, older infected adults may be hospitalized if they require additional medical support for breathing, eating, and drinking.
What Older Adults Should Know About RSV
While most healthy adults with RSV infection usually can be treated at home, older infected adults may be hospitalized if they require additional medical support for breathing, eating, and drinking.
