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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish 22 citations

PubMed: 40432120 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13050510

Addressing the Underestimated Burden of RSV in Older Adults in Europe: Epidemiology, Surveillance Gaps, and Public Health Implications.

Vaccines (Basel) 13(5)

Authors: Floriana D'Ambrosio, Marta Lomazzi, Michael Moore, Ada Maida, Roberto Ricciardi, Ludovica Munno, Monia Lettieri, Elisabetta De Vito, Walter Ricciardi, Giovanna Elisa CalabrĂ²

Affiliations

  • Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, UniversitĂ  Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.Go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
  • World Federation of Public Health Associations, ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
  • VIHTALI (Value in Health Technology and Academy for Leadership & Innovation), Spin-Off of UniversitĂ  Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
  • Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Casino, Italy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs), posing a serious threat to vulnerable populations. Although growing evidence highlights its significant impact on older adults, RSV surveillance and data collection remain largely focused on children, underestimating the burden in older and high-risk adults. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiological and clinical impact of RSV in older adults in Europe, assess existing surveillance strategies, and identify gaps to guide targeted public health responses.

METHODS

A two-phase research strategy was adopted. First, a comprehensive review of studies published between 2015-2025 was conducted via PubMed, focusing on the RSV burden in high-risk and elderly populations in Europe. Second, a structured web screening was performed to assess the status of existing RSV surveillance systems, focusing on eight selected European countries.

RESULTS

The review reported RSV prevalence rates ranging from 1% to 64.7% among older adults, with a high prevalence of comorbidities that exacerbate disease severity. Hospitalization rates varied between 12.6-55.9%, while mortality ranged from 2.15% to 13%, reaching up to 36% in intensive care settings. Surveillance systems for adult RSV infections across Europe remain limited and fragmented, with only 37.5% (3/8) of analyzed countries having dedicated surveillance for adults.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV represents a substantial and underrecognized threat to older adults, with significant clinical and healthcare implications. Strengthening surveillance, standardizing data collection, and ensuring equitable access to newly available preventive measures are urgent priorities to reduce the disease burden, protect vulnerable populations, and support resilient health systems against future health challenges.

MeSH

Respiratory Syncytial Viruses, Epidemiology, Data Collection, Public Health, Aged, Prevalence