Low awareness of RSV risks among older people in Longford and across Ireland

A new study has found that awareness of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is very low among key interest groups, despite the virus being a major cause of hospitalisations each winter. The findings highlight a lack of public health awareness among older adults and their carers from Longford and across Ireland, despite being the cohort who face a higher risk of serious illness from RSV.

RSV is a respiratory virus that, despite being very common, can cause severe complications in adults over the age of 65. These complications can include pneumonia and the worsening of underlying conditions such as COPD and Heart Disease. Analysis of hospitalisation trends for this season, shows that the percentage of patients hospitalised with RSV admitted to ICU align closely to those with Influenza (Flu).”

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At the last census there were 7,332 people living in Longford over the age of 65.2 The number of older people in Ireland is predicted to grow significantly in the years ahead following a 26% increase in the number of adults over 65 in Ireland since 2021 with prediction it will exceed 1 million by the end of this decade.3 As a result, the impact of RSV on older adults could become an even greater concern in the years ahead.

A new study into the awareness of RSV from Ipsos B&A, commissioned by Pfizer, was launched today and found:

• RSV has an awareness issue in Ireland, with just 18% of respondents claiming to know a lot about the condition, potentially putting vulnerable groups at risk.
• Two in five (41%) have either never heard of RSV, or have only ever heard the name.
• There is a significantly higher level of awareness about Flu and Covid.
• While age is a key risk factor for RSV, just one in four respondents who care for an older adult indicated that they know a lot about RSV.
• Despite limited knowledge of RSV, 76% of respondents who care for older adults would be concerned if they were to contract an infection.
• While awareness of the existence of RSV vaccines is low at just 18% there is strong support for them, with 85% of people believing they should be free of charge if available.

This research was presented at ‘Well into the Future: Protecting the Health of Older Generations’, a symposium for patient groups, older adults and healthcare workers, chaired by broadcaster Joe Duffy, who said “As someone who has recently retired, I’m more conscious than ever of the need to be proactive about my health. It’s no secret that many things become harder as you age and recovering from what might seem like a routine infection is one of them. I’ve learned from personal experience and from watching older family members, how disruptive winter viruses can be.”

“That’s why I believe awareness is so important. Too many people simply don’t know about RSV or the risks it carries for older adults. We all need to be mindful, to look out for ourselves and each other and to take the simple steps that can protect us, whether that’s recognising the symptoms early, talking to our doctors, or making informed choices about vaccination. The more we shine a light on RSV, the better chance we have of preventing avoidable illness.”

Those responding to the survey are significantly more concerned about long-term conditions such as cancer and heart disease, with only 3% saying they are more concerned about acute illnesses like pneumonia and RSV. Although awareness of RSV is limited, the study found that people do perceive it as a risk, with 85% of respondents stating their concern that an RSV infection for an older adult in their care could become severe.

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Orlaith Gavan, Country Medical Director for Pfizer Healthcare Ireland said, “RSV in Ireland is an underestimated threat to older adults and high-risk individuals. Our research shows this clearly as only 8% of respondents believe they have ever had RSV, when almost everyone has been infected at some point.”

“While RSV infection is often routine, it is important that those at higher risk, particularly older adults, understand the threat it poses. Our findings show that they do not and neither do their carers. Most people are more familiar with Flu, which has been shown to have a similar mortality rate to RSV, or are more concerned about pneumonia, which can in some cases be caused by RSV infection.4 Greater awareness of RSV will help ensure it is recognised alongside these other serious winter illnesses.”

Vaccine Awareness:

The National Immunisation Committee (NIAC) has recommended that all adults aged over 65 should be vaccinated against RSV.5 Despite this recommendation, the study found just 18% were aware that a vaccine is available.

There is, however, strong support for RSV vaccinations with 85% of caregivers, responding to the survey, believing it should be freely available for older adults. Vaccines have been made available free of charge for older adults in several European countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden, with positive outcomes. A programme was introduced in Scotland last year offering a free RSV vaccine to people aged 75 to 79, which achieved an uptake of almost 69% of that age cohort resulting in a 62% drop in RSV hospitalisations.

Professor James Chalmers, Asthma and Lung UK Chair of Respiratory Research, University of Dundee said “RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness in older adults worldwide, leading to tens of thousands of hospitalisations each year, yet it remains far less recognised than Flu or pneumonia. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of protecting ourselves from respiratory viruses. Alongside hygiene, masks, and managing health conditions, vaccination provides proven protection against severe illness and is a significant step forward for older adults.”

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Deborah Costello, Fundraising & Communications Manager at Friends of the Elderly Ireland said “As winter approaches, many older adults become more cautious, and are aware that respiratory illnesses such as Flu, COVID-19 and RSV are more common at this time of year. This caution can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness, as people withdraw from social activities to avoid getting sick. Proactively managing these risks can help address not only the health challenges of the season but also the social ones, supporting connection, wellbeing and independence.”