Adult Mortality Risk Increased by Common Respiratory Condition, Research Shows

A recent study presented at the ESCMID Global 2025 conference highlights that adults suffering from respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute respiratory infection (RSV-ARI) are at a significantly elevated risk of mortality. Specifically, individuals diagnosed with RSV-ARI have a 2.7-fold increased risk of death within a year compared to the general adult population.

These findings shed light on the often underestimated long-term health and economic implications of RSV-ARI, particularly for adults with pre-existing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. RSV-ARI encompasses a range of illnesses linked to the respiratory syncytial virus, which is highly contagious and primarily affects the respiratory system.

While the implications of RSV on infants and young children are well-documented, its severe effects on adults, which can include pneumonia and chronic respiratory diseases, are less understood. A comprehensive cohort study from Denmark analyzed data from 5,289 adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with RSV-ARI from 2011 to 2022. This cohort was compared with 15,867 matched controls from the general population, assessing various clinical and economic outcomes over a year following the onset of RSV-ARI.

The study revealed that adults with RSV-ARI not only face a higher mortality risk but also experience poorer overall health outcomes. During the 365-day follow-up period, exacerbations of COPD and asthma were found to be 3.1 and 4.6 times more frequent in patients with RSV-ARI, respectively. Furthermore, hospitalization rates for those affected by RSV-ARI exceeded those of the control group by more than double, with 57% of RSV-ARI patients requiring hospitalization compared to just 28% of the control participants. Intensive care unit admissions were also alarmingly high, with RSV-ARI patients being nearly four times more likely to require such care (5.3% versus 1.4%).

The economic ramifications of RSV-ARI are significant, with the total direct healthcare costs for affected patients during the year following diagnosis amounting to EUR20,181, more than double the EUR8,085 incurred by individuals in the control group. The lead author of the study emphasized the striking and prolonged impact of RSV-ARI, noting that even after the acute phase, patients continue to face worse health outcomes compared to their peers.

Exacerbations of pre-existing conditions like COPD and asthma were identified as the most prevalent adverse health outcomes associated with RSV-ARI. Given the challenges presented by these chronic conditions, the study advocates for increased attention to patients with underlying health issues to mitigate the risk of severe complications.

The research also underscores the importance of vaccination as a measure to reduce the severe consequences of RSV. Experts involved in the study recommend that prioritizing vaccination for vulnerable populations is crucial to lessen both health complications and associated costs. Moving forward, the authors hope their findings will encourage further exploration into the broader clinical and societal impacts of RSV, particularly for high-risk groups, to facilitate the development of targeted preventive strategies and timely interventions.