RSV Hospitalizations Lead to Increased Cardiovascular Risks in Seniors

In a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Health Sciences North, findings reveal that hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults are associated with significantly worse health outcomes compared to those hospitalized for influenza, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or fractures. The study, published on July 23, 2025, in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, emphasizes the urgent need for improved monitoring and vaccination strategies for RSV among older populations.

The research, led by Dr. Chris Verschoor, who serves as the Foundation Research Chair in Healthy Aging at Health Sciences North Research Institute, highlights that older adults hospitalized for RSV exhibited a higher incidence of cardiovascular events. According to the study, which evaluated data from 2011 to 2020 involving 2,558 patients aged 65 and over, 18.5% of patients with RSV hospitalizations experienced subsequent heart failure, compared to 17.7% for influenza, 12.1% for UTIs, and 8.4% for fractures.

"Unlike other respiratory viruses, immunity against RSV tends to decline relatively quickly," Dr. Verschoor stated. "This means that a previous infection will not afford the same long-term protection as it might for influenza or COVID-19. Our findings reinforce the importance of RSV vaccination in older adults and suggest that monitoring for signs of heart disease following an RSV illness may be pragmatic."

The study also reported higher rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients hospitalized for RSV, with a hazard ratio of 1.50 compared to fracture hospitalizations. Furthermore, patients with RSV had notably longer hospital stays—approximately 11% to 32% longer—regardless of pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Despite RSV being less prevalent than influenza, the economic burden it imposes on healthcare systems is substantial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RSV infections account for significant healthcare costs, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults. The study indicates that the odds of ICU admission for RSV patients were significantly higher than for those with UTIs or fractures, with odds ratios of 4.63 and 3.75, respectively.

The implications of these findings are clear: effective public health strategies, including widespread vaccination and vigilant post-hospitalization monitoring, are critical to mitigate the long-term health risks associated with RSV. Dr. Verschoor and his colleagues concluded that while RSV infections are less common than influenza in older adults, they pose a significant risk of serious health complications and warrant increased attention from healthcare providers.

In summary, the study underscores the pressing need for enhanced RSV vaccination programs and ongoing monitoring of cardiovascular health in older adults following RSV infections. As we look to the future, public health initiatives must prioritize this often-overlooked virus to improve health outcomes for the aging population.