Adults with COPD or asthma are at an increased risk of contracting RSV, which may lead to hospitalization and other complications, including death.
A recent study published in Springer Nature reviewed literature from 40 studies published between January 2000 and November 2023 and found a high prevalence of asthma and COPD among RSV-infected adults. In addition, adults with asthma or COPD were more likely to be hospitalized following an RSV infection than those without the conditions.
For every 100 adults hospitalized for an RSV infection, an average of 19 had asthma, while an average of 31 had COPD, the researchers wrote. Up to eight times more adults with asthma and 13 times more adults with COPD were hospitalized for an RSV infection compared to those without either illness.
In addition, the researchers noted that in three of the studies reviewed, adults with asthma or COPD suffered worsening of their conditions after an RSV infection. In some cases, they became critically ill and required intensive care (including mechanical ventilation) to treat severe RSV symptoms.
Among those who were hospitalized for RSV, nearly four out of 100 adults with asthma and as many as 18 out of 100 adults with COPD eventually died during acute RSV infection.
The authors wrote that “more research is needed to investigate the association between RSV and severe outcomes in patients with asthma or COPD, especially over the long term.”
